Sermon Illustrations on Integrity — page 2

The Honest Insolvent

A man pays all debts over decades, even tracking down a deceased creditor’s administrator.

A gentleman of Boston, says a religious journal, who was unfortunate in business thirty years ago, and consequently unable at that time to meet his engagements with his creditors, after more than twenty years of toil, succeeded in paying every creditor, (except one whose residence could not be ascertained,) the whole amount due them. He has in that twenty years brought up and educated a large family—but still he owed one of his former creditors; he was not satisfied to keep another's property; he made inquiry, and received information that the party had died some years since. He again pursued his inquiry respecting the administrator, and ascertained his name and residence, wrote to him, acknowledged the debt, and requested him to inform him of the manner he would receive the money. A few days since he remitted the whole amount, principal and interest.

Not For His Kingdom

Dr. Ken refused to compromise his convictions despite royal pressure, showing integrity.

The circumstances of the appointment of Dr. Ken as Bishop of Bath and Wells, were remarkable. King Charles the Second was engaged in erecting a palace at Winchester, and went down with his usual attendants to that city. One of the harbingers employed to arrange lodgings for the party, marked out the doctor's house, which he had in right of his prebend, for the temporary residence of Mrs. Eleanor Gwynne. The doctor, however, absolutely refused her admittance, declaring that "a woman of ill repute was not to be endured for a moment in the house of a clergyman;" and Mrs. G. was, in consequence, compelled to seek an abode elsewhere, to her own great inconvenience, and the indignation of those who urged the doctor to a compliance in the king's name; who, however, could obtain no other reply than the short sentence, "Not for his kingdom." No sooner, however, was application made to King Charles on behalf of another, for the bishopric of Bath and Wells, which became vacant immediately after, than the king promptly replied, "Who shall have Bath and Wells, but the little fellow who would not give poor Nelly a lodging?" Dr. Ken was, in consequence, appointed to the vacant see in the commencement of 1684.

Collector And Peasant

A poor peasant finds and returns a lost bag of money to a tax collector.

M. Drouillard, collector of taxes for the arrondissement of Condom, France,) father of a numerous family, happening to arrive very late in the evening, in the town of Auch, on his way to the receiver-general, in order to convey to that gentleman the sum of six thousand francs in specie, found, on his arrival there, that he had lost the bag containing the money he thus intended to pay.

Though the unfortunate man caused immediate search to be made, no traces of the lost treasure could be discovered. The next morning, he applied to a friend, for the loan of a horse, in order to be enabled to pursue his inquiries with more effect; but his friend’s horses happening to be out, that gentleman went himself to a neighbor, named Roussel, a peasant in comparatively low circumstances, to borrow one, mentioning, at the same time, for whom it was wanted, as well as the heavy loss M. Drouillard had sustained.

No sooner had Roussel heard what had happened, than he exclaimed, “Do not give yourself any further trouble; I know where the money is;” and he immediately delivered to him the identical bag containing the six thousand francs.

It appears, that having found this bag, on his return from his daily occupawould unburden my soul, by taking his Holy Spirit from me. My prayer was answered. For I had no sooner risen upon my feet, than my sense of sin and fear of hell were gone. From that day to this, I have had no anxiety about my eternal state. In that grove I prayed away the Spirit of God, and He will never return to offer me pardon and eternal life through the blood of Christ. I know that I shall soon be in hell. Nohing can save me. My doom is sealed, and yet, I am quite indifferent to the future."

# STY.

ions, he had placed it, though not without some difficulty on account of its weight, upon his horse, and carried it home, without ascertaining how much it contained, or communicating his good fortune to his family; that, the next morning, he had got up at an early hour, and spent about an hour in going to the market place and elsewhere, in order to learn whether any person had made any inquiries about it; and that he was but just then returned home, without having been able to ascertain who had lost it, when he was thus introduced to the delighted owner.

Tribute To M. Cornet

M. Cornet repays a disputed lawsuit amount fearing an unjust influence on the judge.

In Bessuet's funeral oration for M. Cornet, he mentioned the following fact:—One of his friends having a lawsuit. M. Cornet exerted his interest in favor of his friend, with a judge who was to try the cause; and it was decided in his favor. Some time afterwards, M. Cornet had doubts of the justice of the decision; and being apprehensive that it had been influenced by his conversations with the judge, he paid to the adversary the whole amount of the sum in dispute.

The Poor Hotel

A poor woman keeps unclaimed money untouched for seven years despite temptation.

KEEPER. —The following interesting anecdote occurs in a German work, entitled, "A Picture of St. Petersburg."

In a little town, five miles from St. Petersburgh, lived a poor German woman. A small cottage was her only possession, and the visits of a few shipmasters, on their way to Petersburg, her only livelihood. Several Dutch shipmasters having supped at her house one evening, she found, when they were gone, a sealed bag of money under the table. Some one of the company had no doubt forgotten it, but they had sailed over to Cronstadt, and the wind being fair, there was no chance of their putting back. The woman put the bag into her cupboard, to keep it till it should be called for. Full seven years, however, elapsed, and no one claimed it; and though often tempted by opportunity, and oftener by want, to make use of the contents, the poor woman's good principles prevailed and it remained untouched.

One evening, some shipmasters again stopped at her house for refreshment. Three of them were English, and the fourth a Dutchman. Conversing on various matters, one of them asked the Dutchman, if he had ever been in that town before. "Indeed I have," replied he; "I know the place but too well: my being here cost me once seven hundred rubles." "How so?" "Why, in one of these wretched hovels, I once left behind me a bag of rubles." "Was the bag sealed?" asked the woman, who was sitting in a corner of the room, and whose attention was aroused by the subject. "Yes, yes, it was sealed, and with this very seal here at my watch-chain." The woman knew the seal instantly. "Well, then," said she, "by that you may recover what you have lost." "Recover it, mother! No, no; I am rather too old to expect that: the world is not quite so honest: besides, it is full seven years since I lost the money;—say no more about it, it always makes me melancholy."

Meanwhile, the woman slipped out, and presently returned with the bag. "See here," said she; "honesty is not so rare, perhaps, as you imagine;" and she threw the bag on the table.

Epaminondas Not To Be Bribed

Epaminondas refuses bribes, acting only on what is good and honest.

When great presents were sent to Epaminondas, the celebrated Theban general, he used to observe, —"If the thing you desire be good, I will do it without any bribe, even because it is good; if it be not honest, I will not do it for all the goods in the world." He was so great a contemner of riches, that, when he died, he left not enough to discharge the expenses of his funeral.

The Honest Horse Traders

Two men honestly believed the other had the better horse trade and sought to pay him.

Two aged men near Marshalton, Va., traded, or according to Virginia parlance, swapped, horses on this condition: that on that day week, the one who thought he had the best of the bargain, should pay to the other two bushels of wheat. The day came, and, strange as it may seem, they met about half way between their respective homes. "Where art thou going?" said one. "To thy house with the wheat," answered the other. "And whither art thou riding?" "Truly," replied the other, "I was taking the wheat to thy house." Each pleased with the bargain, had thought the wheat justly due to his neighbor and was going to pay it.

The Honest Ostiak

An Ostiak refused to touch lost money and preserved it to return to its owner.

A Russian was travelling from Tobolsk to Beresow. On the road he stopped one night at the hut of an Ostiak. In the morning, on continuing his journey, he discovered that he had lost his purse containing about one hundred rubles.

The son of the Ostiak found the purse, while out a hunting, but instead of taking it up, went and told his father; who was equally unwilling to touch it, and ordered his son to cover it with some bushes.

A few months after this, the Russian returned, and stopped at the same hut, but the Ostiak did not recognize him. He related the loss he had met with.

The Ostiak listened very attentively, and when he had finished, "You are welcome," said he; "here is my son who will show you the spot where it lies; no hand has touched it but the one which covered it over, that you might recover what you have lost."

The Turkish Postman

A Turkish postman honestly admitted losing money and trusted it would be returned.

Keppel relates, in his "Journey across the Balcan," that, in the winter of 1828, a Turkish postman was sent to some distant part with a considerable sum of money in specie. The money, in such cases, is carried in bags, which the merchants call "groupes." They are given to the postman, and without receiving any written document as proof of the receipt. This man, on returning from his journey, was applied to by a French house for fifteen thousand piastres; a sum, at that time, equal to fifteen thousand dollars. He made no attempt to evade the demand, but immediately said, "I have doubtless lost the bag, and must therefore pay you as soon as I can raise the money." After maturely thinking of the loss, he returned by the same road, quite confident that if any Mohammedan should find the money, it would be returned to him. He had travelled nearly the whole distance, when he arrived, in a very melancholy mood, at a small, miserable coffee-house, where he remembered to have stopped a few moments on his way. He was accosted at the door, by the café-jee, who called out to him, "Halloo, sheriff! when you were last here, you left a bag, which I suppose to contain gold. You will find it just where you placed it." The postman entered, and discovered the identical bag, evidently untouched, although it must have been left exposed to the grasp of the numerous chance customers of a Turkish café.

Discharged For Honesty

A young man was fired for honestly revealing a defect that spoiled a sale.

A country gentleman, says the N. E. Galaxy, placed a son with a merchant in — street. And for a season all went on well. But at length the young man sold a dress to a lady, and as he was folding it up, he observed a flaw in the silk, and remarked, "Madam, I deem it my duty to tell you there is a fracture in the silk." This spoiled the bargain. But the merchant overheard the remark; and had he reflected a moment, he might have reasoned thus with himself, "Now I am safe, while my affairs are committed to the care of an honest clerk." But he was not pleased; so he wrote immediately to the father to come and take him home; for, said he, "he will never make a merchant."

The father, who had brought up his son with the strictest care, was not a little surprised and grieved, and hastened to the city to ascertain wherein his son had been deficient. Said the anxious father, And why will he not make a merchant?

Merchant.—Because he has no tact. Only a day or two since, he voluntarily told a lady who was buying silk that the goods were damaged, and so I lost the bargain. Purchasers must look out for themselves. If they cannot discover flaws, it will be foolishness in me to tell them of their existence.

Father.—And is this all the fault? Merchant.—Yes: he is very well in other respects.

Father.—Then I love my son better than ever; and I thank you for telling me of the matter; I would not have him in YOUR STORE another day for the world.

198. Honesty the Best Policy.

The Master And The Apprentice

An honest apprentice prospered while his dishonest master fell into poverty.

A gentleman, one day conversing with a watchmaker upon the dishonest practices of persons in his way of business, was thus addressed by him: "Sir, I served my apprenticeship with a man who did not fear God, and who consequently was not very scrupulous in the charges which he made to his customers. He used frequently to call me a fool, and tell me I should die in a workhouse, when, in his absence, I used to make such charges as appeared to me fair and honest. In course of time I set up in business for myself, and have been so successful as never to have wanted a shilling, whilst my master, who used to reproach me for my honesty, became so reduced in circumstances as to apply to me for a couple of guineas, and did at length himself actually die in a workhouse."

The Earl And The Farmer

Honesty and integrity are rewarded even when initial appearances suggest loss.

A farmer called on the Earl Fitzwilliam, (of Eng.) to represent that his crop of wheat had been seriously injured in a field adjoining a certain wood, where his lordship's hounds had, during the winter, frequently met to hunt. He stated that the young wheat had been so cut up and destroyed, that, in some parts, he could not hope for any produce. "Well, my friend," said his lordship, "I am aware that we have frequently met in that field, and that we have done considerable injury; and if you can procure an estimate of the loss you have sustained, I will repay you." The farmer replied, that, anticipating his lordship's consideration and kindness, he had requested a friend to assist him in estimating the damage, and they thought that as the crop seemed quite destroyed, £50 would not more than repay him. The earl immediately gave him the money. As the harvest, however, approached, the wheat grew, and in those parts of the field which were most trampled, the corn was strongest and most luxuriant. The farmer went again to his lordship, and being introduced, said, "I am come, my lord, respecting the field of wheat adjoining such a wood." His lordship immediately recollected the circumstance, "Well, my friend, did not I allow you sufficient to remunerate you for your loss?" "Yes, my lord, I find that I have sustained no loss at all, for where the horses had most cut up the land, the crop is most promising, and I have, therefore brought the £50 back again." "Ah," exclaimed the venerable earl, "this is what I like; this is as it should be between man and man." He then entered into conversation with the farmer, asking him some questions about his family—how many children he had, etc. His lordship then went into another room, and returning, presented the farmer with a check for £100, saying, "Take care of this, and when your eldest son is of age, present it to him, and tell him the occasion that produced it." We know not which to admire most—the benevolence or the wisdom displayed by this illustrious man; for while doing a noble act of generosity, he was handing down a lesson of integrity to another generation.

The Beggar And Dr. Smollett

Honesty is rewarded and honored even by those in authority.

A beggar asking Dr. Smollett for alms, he gave him through mistake a guinea. The poor fellow perceiving it, hobbled after him to return it; upon which Smollett returned it to him, with another guinea as a reward for his honesty, exclaiming at the same time, "What a lodging has honesty taken up with!"

Saved By Integrity

A prisoner's integrity and faithfulness lead to trust and freedom.

A plain farmer, Richard Jackson by name, was apprehended, during the revolutionary war, under such circumstances as proved beyond all doubt his purpose of joining the king's forces; an intention which he was too honest to deny. Accordingly, he was delivered over to the high sheriff, and committed to the county gaol. The prison was in such a state that he might have found little difficulty in escaping; but he considered himself in the hands of authority, such as it was, and the same conscientiousness—(whether misguided or not, we do not say)—which led him to take up arms, made him equally ready to endure the consequences. After lying there a few days, he applied to the sheriff for leave to go out and work by the day, promising that he would return regularly at night. His character for simple integrity was so well known, that permission was given without hesitation, and for eight months Jackson went out every day to labor, and as duly came back to the prison at night. In the month of May, the sheriff prepared to conduct him to Springfield, where he was to be tried for high treason. Jackson said this would be a needless trouble and expense; he could save the sheriff both, and go just as well by himself. His word was once more taken, and he set off alone, to present himself for trial and certain condemnation. On the way, he was overtaken in the woods by Mr. Edwards, a member of the council of Massachusetts, which at that time was the supreme executive of the state. This gentleman asked him whither he was going. To Springfield, sir, was his answer, to be tried for my life. To

### 199. HONORS. WOR

Infidel'S Choice Of Executor

An infidel entrusted his Christian friend to settle his estate, showing secret respect.

For the purpose of illustrating the secret respect which is entertained by infidels for a pure and consistent Christianity, we relate the following incidents, which have never appeared in print. They may serve to show that a testimony which under ordinary circumstances would be studiously withheld, may, by the force of circumstances, be extorted.

In one of the flourishing towns of a distant state, resided two gentlemen of high professional standing, but of infidel principles. In habits of the closest intimacy they encouraged each other, not only in a determined opposition to the spread of religion, but in the most profane mockery of its doctrines, institutions, and tendencies. A third individual in the town, likewise possessing influence, but of truly consistent Christian character, was the principal object of their profane jests. They pretended to hold his religion in utter contempt, and often made merry in ridiculing his superstition and fanaticism. How sincere and hearty they were in trusting their own principles may be learned from the sequel. In the course of time one of them was attacked by fatal disease, and died without any happy change in his religious views. On opening his will it was ascertained that he had intrusted the settlement of his estate to the *pious* man, and that his infidel friend was not mentioned as an executor! If an action could speak, this spoke loudly of his distrust of infidel principles, and of his secret confidence in those of Christianity.

## 221. Shown by their Conduct in Danger.

Case Of Marvell

Do not despise small beginnings; faithful witness can impact even respected outsiders.

The borough of Hull, in the reign of Charles II, chose Andrew Marvell, a young gentleman of little or no fortune, and maintained him in London for the service of the public. With a view to Lord's day, while pursuing their customary practice, two gentlemen entered and took their seats in the congregation, whose appearance indicated more than ordinary worldly respectability. The brethren became alarmed, lest at the conclusion of the reading, the customary exhorter would mortify them by his rude and unpolished address; and they determined to close the meeting quicker than usual and shut out the exhortation. But the vigilant brother with his zealous spirit was too quick for them; the reading was hardly finished before he was on his feet, and began his warm-hearted appeal. One hung his head and another, but neither daunted or disturbed the speaker. He went on to the end of his message and sat down. The meeting was soon concluded, and several retired with great fears as to the opinion that would be formed of the respectability of the church by the two strangers. Some time after this, at another meeting, one of these individuals presented himself among them, and after a while, to their surprise, rose up to tell what the Lord had done for his soul; and stated the message of the exhorter, as the message of mercy to his soul. How careful should we be not to despise the day of small things.

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bribe him, his old school-fellow, the Lord Treasurer Danby, went to him in his garret. At parting, the lord treasurer slipped into his hands an order upon the treasury for £1000, and then went into his chariot. Marvell looking at the paper, called after the treasurer, "My lord, I request another moment." They went up again to the garret, and Jack, the servant boy, was called, "Jack, what had I for dinner yesterday?" "Don't you remember, sir, you had the little shoulder of mutton that you ordered me to bring from a woman in the market?" "Very right. What have I for dinner to-day?" "Don't you know, sir, that you made me lay up the blade-bone to broil?" "'Tis so: very right. Go away." "My lord, do you hear that? Andrew Marvell's dinner is provided; there's your piece of paper, I want it not. I knew the sort of kindness you intended. I live here to serve my constituents. The ministry may seek men for their purpose; I am not one."

The Firm Juryman

One man's steadfast integrity and endurance saved an innocent life against all opposition.

A certain person, being on a jury in a trial of life and death, he was completely satisfied of the innocence of the prisoner; all the other eleven were of the opposite opinion; but he was resolved, that a verdict of guilty should not be brought in. In the first place, he spent several hours in trying to convince them; but found that he had made no impression, and that he was exhausting the strength which was to be reserved for another mode of operation. He therefore calmly told them it should now be a trial who could endure confinement and famine the longest, and that they might be quite assured he would sooner die than release them at the expense of the prisoner's life. In this situation they spent about twentyfour hours, when, at length, they all acceded to his verdict of acquittal.

Sewall And The Shoebrushes

Judge Sewall refused gifts to avoid any future bias in his judgments.

Judge Sewall, of Massachusetts, who died in 1760, went one day into a hatter's shop, in order to purchase a pair of shoe-brushes. The master of the shop presented him with a couple. "What is your price?" said the judge. "If they will answer your purpose," replied the other, "you may have them and welcome." The judge, upon hearing this, laid them down, and bowing, was leaving the shop; upon which the hatter said to him, "Pray sir, your honor has forgotten the principal object of your visit." "By no means," answered the judge; "if you please to set a price I am ready to purchase: but ever since it has fallen to my lot to occupy a seat on the bench, I have studiously avoided receiving to the value of a single copper, lest at some future period of my life, it might have some kind of influence in determining my judgment."

Catharine Ii And Count Munich

Count Munich chose principle over personal gain, refusing favors that compromised integrity.

When Catharine the Second ascended the throne of Russia, she solicited Count Munich to accept some marks of her favor, although she knew he had been the most formidable opponent to her accession. "No," said the count, "I am an old man; I have already suffered many misfortunes; and if I purchased a few years of life by compromising my principles, I should make but a bad exchange."

Bonnell'S Integrity

James Bonnell refused bribes to keep his judgment pure and untainted.

James Bonnell, Esq., was the accomptant-general of the revenue in Ireland in the seventeenth century, and was equally eminent for his excellences as a man and a Christian. He had many opportunities of improving his fortune, and met with temptations which few but himself would have resisted. He despatched his business with the utmost readiness, and in the most obliging manner, but never once would receive a gratuity or reward. When three pieces of broad gold at one time, and a guinea or two at another, were left on his table by persons whom he had greatly served, he gave it all away among persons who were in want, telling his friends that though he had served others greatly, yet his taking rewards might hereafter bias his judgment, and thus prove a snare to him; and that therefore his principles should be known, and he would take no more than the king allowed him.

Franklin And His Paper

Franklin chose integrity over profit, refusing to publish defamatory material for gain.

Soon after his establishment in Philadelphia, Franklin was offered a piece for publication in his newspaper. Being very busy, he begged the gentleman would leave it for consideration. The next day the author called and asked his opinion of it. "Why, sir," replied Franklin, "I am sorry to say I think it highly scurrilous and defamatory. But being at a loss on account of my poverty, whether to reject it or not, I thought I would put it to this issue,—at night, when my work was done, I bought a two-penny loaf, on which I supped heartily, and then wrapping myself in my great coat, slept very soundly on the floor till morning; when another loaf and mug of water afforded a pleasant breakfast. Now sir, since I can live very comfortably in this manner, why should I prostitute my press to personal hatred or party passion for a more luxurious living?"

One cannot read this anecdote of our American sage, without thinking of Socrates' reply to king Archelaus, who had pressed him to give up preaching in the dirty streets of Athens, and come and live with him in his splendid courts.—"Meal, please your Majesty is a half-penny a peck at Athens, and water I get for nothing!"

Integrity

A captain sought to act with integrity even in war, guided by an honest elder.

ANCIENT HERNHUTTER.* —In one of the wars in Germany, a captain of cavalry was ordered out on a foraging party. He put himself at the head of his troop, and marched to the quarter assigned him. It was a solitary valley, in which hardly any thing but woods could be seen. In the midst of it stood a little cottage: on perceiving it he went up, and knocked

* Better known in this country by the name of Moravianus or United Brethren.

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# 220. Way to Intemperance.

Moderate Drinkers Beware

A moderate drinker’s claim of control was challenged by his actions and company.

A respectable man, but a moderate drinker, living in the town of Hadlyme, Conn., was urged by the State Temperance Agent some months since to join the temperance society. He said, "I am my own master, and can take care of myself. I don't drink but little, and I won't give it up." A short time after this, an appointment was made for an address from the agent.—On the same day, in the evening of which the address was to be delivered, this man in company with a neighbor crossed the river in a small skiff to a grogshop in Cheshire, kept by a professor of religion. There they found several of kindred spirit, and down they sat. Of course the bottle circulated freely; and over it were discussed the merits of temperance societies. Many sage remarks where made about trampling upon individual rights, and invading the liberties of men. The rumselling professor joined them, and thought it outrageous that retailing at the door; an ancient Hernhutter, with a beard silvered with age, came out. "Father," said the officer, "show me a field where I can set my troops a foraging." "Presently," replied the Hernhutter. The good old man walked before, and conducted them out of the valley. After a quarter of an hour's march, they found a fine field of barley: "This is the very thing we want," said the captain. "Have patience for a few minutes," replied the guide; "you shall be satisfied." They went on, and at the distance of about a quarter of a league further, they arrived at another field of barley. The troop immediately dismounted, cut down the grain, trussed it up, and re-mounted. The officer then said to his conductor, "Father, you have given to yourself and us unnecessary trouble: the first field was much better than this." "Very true, sir," replied the good old man, "but it was not mine."

# E RANCE.

should be reprobated. Still the bottle goes round, and much ridicule is cast upon the cold water speech that is expected in the evening. Again they drink, and the two friends set out on their return. Now mark the result. In recrossing the river the boat is carried by the current some distance below the landing-place. Arriving at the shore they quarrel, and this man sets out alone to take the boat to its place. He proceeds, gets out into the stream, and is discovered by a negro, who calls him to come ashore, telling him he is intoxicated, and 'tis not safe for him to row the boat alone. "Drunkard!" says he, "I'm as sober as any man." But before the negro could get to his assistance, he tumbled overboard and sunk to rise no more. The race from respectability to a drunkard's end was very short. The exercises of the temperance meeting in the evening were commenced by relating this incident to his fellow townsmen.

Themistocles' Project

Themistocles prioritized success over fairness, showing the conflict between ends and ethical means.

Themistocles having conceived the design of transferring the government of Greece from the hands of the Lacedemonians, into those of the Athenians, kept his thoughts continually fixed on this great project. Being at no time very nice or scrupulous in the choice of his measures, he thought any thing which could tend to the accomplishment of the end he had in view, just and lawful. In an assembly of the people one day, he accordingly intimated that he had a very important design to propose, but he could not communicate it to the people at large, because the greatest secrecy was necessary to its success; he therefore desired that they would appoint a person to whom he might explain himself on the subject. Aristides was unanimously pitched upon by the assembly, who referred themselves entirely to his opinion of the affair. Themistocles taking him aside, told him that the design he had conceived, was to burn the fleet belonging to the rest of the Grecian states, which then lay in a neighboring port, when Athens would assuredly become mistress of all Greece. Aristides returned to the assembly, and declared to them, that nothing could be more advantageous to the commonwealth, than the project of Themistocles; but that, at the same time, nothing in the world could be more unfair. Without inquiring further, the assembly unanimously declared, that since such was the case, Themistocles should wholly abandon his project.

(c)CONSCIENTIOUS JUDGE.—Sir Matthew Hale, when chief baron of the exchequer, was very exact and impartial in his administration of justice. He would never receive any private addresses or recommendations from the greatest persons in any matter in which justice was concerned. One of the first peers of England went once to his chamber, and told him "that, having a suit in law to be tried before him, he was then to acquaint him with it, that he might the better understand it when it should come to be heard in court." Upon which Sir Matthew interrupted him, and said "he did not deal fairly to come to his chamber about such affairs, for he never received any information of causes but in open court, where both parties were to be heard alike," so he would not suffer him to go on. Whereupon his grace (for he was a duke) went away not a little dissatisfied, and complained of it to the king as a rudeness that was not to be endured. But his majesty bade him content himself that he was no worse used, and said "he verily believed he would have used himself no better if he had gone to solicit him in any of his own causes."

Another passage fell out in one of his circuits, which was somewhat censured as an affectation of unreasonable strictness; but it flowed from the exactness of the rules he had set himself. A gentleman had sent him a buck for his table that had a trial at the assizes; so, when he heard his name, he asked "if he was not the same person that had sent him venison." And finding that he was the same, he told him "he could not suffer the trial to go on till he had paid him for his buck." To which the gentleman answered "that he never sold his venison, and that he had done nothing to him which he did not do to every judge that had gone that circuit," which was confirmed by several gentlemen then present; but all would not do, for the lord chief baron had learned from Solomon that "a gift perverteth the ways of judgment;" and therefore he would not suffer the trial to go on till he had paid for the present; upon which the gentleman withdrew the record. And at Salisbury, the dean and chapter having, according to custom, presented him with six sugar loaves in his circuit, he made his servants pay for the sugar before he would try their cause.

Aristides In Judgment

Aristides judges impartially, focusing on others' causes rather than personal interests.

Aristides being judge between two private persons, one of them declared that his adversary had greatly injured Aristides. "Relate rather, good friend," said he, interrupting him, "what wrong he hath done to thee, for it is thy cause, not mine, that I now sit judge of."

Banishment Of Aristides

Aristides' reputation for justice led to envy and wrongful banishment, yet he remained dignified.

A tragedy by Æschylus was once represented before the Athenians, in which it was said of one of the characters, "that he cared not more to be just than to appear so." At these words all eyes were instantly turned upon Aristides as the man who, of all the Greeks, most merited that distinguished character. Ever after he received, by universal consent, the surname of the Just; a title, says Plutarch, truly royal, or, rather, truly divine. This remarkable distinction roused envy, and envy prevailed so far as to procure his banishment for ten years upon the unjust suspicion that his influence with the people was dangerous to their freedom. When the sentence was passed by his countrymen, Aristides himself was present in the midst of them, and a stranger who stood near, and could not write, applied to him to write for him in his shell. "What name?" asked the philosopher. "Aristides," replied the stranger. "Do you know him, then," said Aristides, "or has he in any way injured you?" "Neither," said the other; "but it is for this very thing I would be were condemned. I can go nowhere but I hear of Aristides the Just." Aristides inquired no further, but took the shell and wrote his name in it as desired. The absence of Aristides soon dissipated the apprehensions which his countrymen had so idly imbibed. He was in a short time recalled, and for many years after took a leading part in the affairs of the republic, without showing the least resentment against his enemies, or seeking any other gratification than that of serving his country with fidelity and honor. His disregard for money was strikingly manifested at his death; for though he was frequently treasurer as well as general, he scarcely left sufficient to defray the expenses of his burial.

The virtues of Aristides did not pass without reward. He had two daughters, who were educated at the expense of the state, and to whom portions were allotted from the public treasury.

Locke'S Resignation

Locke resigned a lucrative post because his conscience would not allow him to neglect duties.

The integrity of this great man was eminently displayed on several occasions; but the following event, which closed his political life, is worthy of particular notice:—

After the English revolution of 1688, his high name and merits opened to him the prospect of honor and riches, which, however, he declined. King William III pressed him to go on an embassy to one of the principal courts in Europe, which he respectfully refused. His majesty then appointed him to a seat as one of the commissioners of the Board of Trade and Plantations. This post, which was perfectly suited to his talents, he held for some years; but, at length, when the air of London was found to disagree with his health, he resigned the place to the king in person, saying, that his conscience would not permit him to retain a situation the duties of which he could not discharge. The king entreated him to continue in it, telling him that though he could stay in London but a few weeks, his services would be very necessary. Mr. Locke, however, persisted in his resolution; thus relinquishing one thousand pounds a year, which he might have kept till his death. When he was told by a friend that he might have made a composition with any new candidate, and thereby have gained some advantage without giving up the whole income, he replied, "I know it very well, that I might have done so; and that was the very reason why I did not communicate my design to any one. I received my commission directly from the king, and to him I resolved to restore it, that he might have the pleasure of bestowing it upon some worthy man better able to fulfil the duties than myself."

Morvilliers And Charles Ix

Morvilliers refused to accept seals twice tainted by unjust royal pardons, showing integrity.

Morvilliers, keeper of the seals to Charles the Ninth of France, was one day ordered by his sovereign to put the seals to the pardon of a nobleman who had committed murder. He refused. The king then took the seals out of his hands, and having put them himself to the instrument of remission, returned them immediately to Morvilliers; who refused to take them again, saying, "The seals have twice put me in a situation of great honor; once when I received them, and again when I resigned them."

Louis Xiv And His Chancellor

The chancellor refused to accept seals on an unjust pardon, illustrating moral courage.

Louis the Fourteenth had granted a pardon to a nobleman who had committed some very great crime. M. Voisin, the chancellor, ran to him in his closet, and exclaimed, "Sire, you cannot pardon a person in the situation of Mr. —." "I have promised him," replied the king, who was ever impatient of contradiction; "go and fetch the great seal." "But, sire,"—"Pray, sir, do as I order you." The chancellor returns with the seals; Louis applies them himself to the instrument, containing the pardon, and gives them again to the chancellor. "They are polluted now, sire," exclaims the intrepid and excellent magistrate, pushing them from him on the table, "I cannot take them again." "What an impracticable man!" cries the monarch, and throws the pardon into the fire. "I will now, sire, take them again," said the chancellor; "the fire, you know, purifies every thing."

Another Brutus

A father, as judge, condemned his own son for murder, prioritizing justice over family.

In the reign of Henry the Eighth, Fitz-Stephen, merchant, Mayor of Galway, sent his only son, as commander of a ship, to Spain, for a cargo of wine. The son kept the money for the purchase of the cargo; and the Spanish merchant, who supplied the wine, sent his nephew to receive the debt. To conceal his fraud, young Fitz-Stephen conceived the plan of murdering the Spaniard; a project, in which he brought the crew to combine. The Spaniard was seized in bed, thrown overboard, and the ship arrived in port.

Some time after, one of the sailors was taken ill, and, being at the point of death, confessed the horrid deed in which he had participated. The father, though struck with horror, shook off the parent, and said, "Justice should take its course." And, as mayor he caused his son to be committed, with the rest of the crew, and the father, like Brutus, sat in judgment on his son, and with his own lips pronounced the sentence which left him childless!

Fitz

Sir John Fitz-James administered justice impartially, even against friends and the king.

JAMES AND HIS SOVEREIGN.—It is said of Sir John Fitz-James, that the instant he was seated on the bench, he lost all recollection of his best friends, that would in the least degree have interfered with the administration of justice. A relation once solicited a favor of him. "Come to my house," said he, "and I will deny you nothing; but in the king's court I must do you justice." The attorney-general was weak and criminal enough to request his interest on the part of the king, in a cause to be tried before him. "I will do the king right," he replied. A verdict was given against the crown, and the attorney-general expostulated with Fitz-James, who dismissed the subject by adding, "I could not do his majesty right, if I had not done justice."

Rule For An Attorney

Praying for clients ensures integrity and success in legal cases.

A pious attorney, being asked how he could conscientiously plead for some of his clients, replied, "Sir, I have not for many years undertaken a cause which I could not pray for; and I have never lost a case for which I could pray!" If all lawyers would do thus, the oppression of the innocent would be less frequent.

Extraordinary Lawyer

An honest lawyer avoided lawsuits by settling differences amicably.

A circumstance is mentioned of Robert Dover, the worthy attorney of Burton on the Heath, on the last leaf of a book of verses to which his portrait is affixed, no less extraordinary than the occasion of writing the poems, namely; that "though he was bred an attorney, he never tried but two causes, having always made up the difference."

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Matthew Hale In Disguise

Sir Matthew Hale exposed bribery to secure justice, demonstrating courage and integrity in law.

The younger of two brothers had endeavored to deprive the elder of an estate of £500 a year, by suborning witnesses to declare that he died in a foreign land. Coming into the court in the guise of a miller, Sir Matthew Hale was chosen the twelfth juryman to sit on this cause. As soon as the clerk of the court had sworn in the jurymen, a little dexterous fellow came into their apartment and slipped ten gold pieces into the hands of eleven of the jury, and gave the miller five, while the judge was known to be bribed with a great sum. The judge summed up the evidence in favor of the younger brother, and the jury were about to give their assent, when the supposed miller stood up and addressed the court with such energetic and manly eloquence, as astonished the judge and all present; unraveled the sophistry to the very bottom, proved the fact of bribery, evinced the elder brother's title to the estate, from the contradictory evidence of the witnesses, and gained a complete victory in favor of truth and justice.

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supposed to be rich. At the time of making his will, the bond would have been canceled on demand. But by a reverse of circumstances, the debtor became insolvent; and but a few cents on the dollar were paid on the final winding up of his concerns. This to the benevolent clergyman was a source of much deeper regret, than if he had sustained the same loss in property which he had designed for his own lawful heirs. Instead of accumulating, as he had anticipated, so as to produce a greater ulterior benefit to the cause, it was reduced to a very small pittance. Had he given the money when he had formed his design, it would have effected immediate good, and perhaps yielded, in its advantage to the cause, a far greater percentage, than any interest upon a bond, had it been perfectly safe.

This incident will serve to illustrate the importance of doing at once whatever we design for the promotion of the gospel.

Not At Home

Even harmless deception conflicts with the sincerity expected of a Christian leader.

Bishop Atterbury was once addressed by some of his right reverend coadjutors to the following effect: "My lord, why will you not suffer your servants to deny you, when you do not care to see company? It is not a lie for them to say you are not at home, for it deceives no one; every body knowing it means only, that your lordship is busy." He replied, "My lords, if it is (which I doubt) consistent with sincerity, yet I am sure it is not consistent with that sincerity which becomes a Christian bishop." What a curious argument it is, that because a falsehood should be known to be such by those who hear it, they are bound to receive it as a truth, or to believe there is no guilt in uttering it!

Paying Like A Sinner

Ministers must live and act differently from sinners, reflecting godly character and prayerfulness.

Several years ago, in North Carolina, where it is not customary for the tavern keepers to charge the ministers for lodging and refreshments, a preacher presumably stopped at a tavern one evening, made himself comfortable during the night; and in the morning entered the stage without offering to pay for his accommodations. The landlord came running up to the stage, and said, "there was some one in there who had not settled his bill"—the passengers all said they had, except the preacher, who said he had understood that he never charged ministers any thing. "What, you a minister of the gospel, a man of God?" cried the inn-keeper, "you came to my house last night, you sat down at the table without asking a blessing, I li. you up to your room, and you went to bed without praying to your Maker, (for I staid there until you had undressed;) you rose and washed without saying grace, and as you came to my house like a sinner, you have got to pay like a sinner."

The Roman Ambassadors

Roman ambassadors showed integrity by refusing personal gain from their mission.

Ptolemy Philadelphus, king of Egypt, having sent to desire the friendship of the Roman people, an embassy was dispatched from Rome the following year, in return for the civilities of Ptolemy. The ambassadors were Q. Fabius Garges, Cn. Fabius Pictor, with Numerius his brother, and Q. Ogalnius. The disinterested air with which they appeared sufficiently indicated the greatness of their souls. Ptolemy gave them a splendid entertainment, and took that opportunity to present to each of them a crown of gold, which they received because they were unwilling to disoblige him by declining the honor he intended them; but they went the next morning and placed them on the heads of the king's statues erected in the public places of the city. The king likewise having tendered them very considerable presents at their audience of leave, they received them as they had the crowns; but, on their arrival at Rome, before giving the Senate an account of their embassy, they deposited all those presents in the public treasury, and made it evident, by so noble a conduct, that in serving the republic they had proposed no other advantage to themselves than the honor of having well done their duty. The republic, however, would not suffer itself to be exceeded in generosity of sentiments. The Senate and people came to a resolution, that the ambassadors, in consideration of the services they had rendered the state, should receive a sum of money equivalent to that they had deposited in the public treasury. This indeed was an amiable contest; and one is at a loss to know to which of the antagonists to ascribe the victory. Where shall we now find men who devote themselves in a similar manner to the public good, without any interested expectations of selfish advantage?

The Corsican And His Uncle

A nephew refused to save his uncle by dishonoring his country, showing integrity.

A striking display of the character of the legislator, and of the subject, was related by Paoli to Mr.

Boswell, when he visited Corsica. "A criminal," said he, "was condemned to die. His nephew came to me with a lady of distinction, that she might solicit his pardon. The nephew's anxiety made him think that the lady did not speak with sufficient force and earnestness. He therefore advanced, and addressed himself to me, 'Sir, is it proper for me to speak?' as if he felt that it was unlawful to make such an application. I bade him go on. 'Sir,' said he, with the deepest concern, 'may I beg the life of my uncle? If it is granted, his relations will make a gift to the state of a thousand zechins. We will furnish fifty soldiers in pay during the siege of Furianna. We will agree that my uncle shall be banished, and will engage that he shall never return to the island.' I knew the nephew to be a man of worth, and I answered him, 'You are acquainted with the circumstances of this case: such is my confidence in you, that if you will say, that giving your uncle a pardon would be just, useful, or honorable for Corsica, I promise you it shall be granted.' He turned about, burst into tears, and left me, saying in his native language, 'I would not have the honor of our country sold for a thousand zechins.' His uncle suffered."

Washington And His Friends

Washington prioritized public duty over private friendship in political appointments.

An anecdote is told of the great Washington, which exhibits, in a fine light, the distinction between public duty, and private friendship. During his administration as President of the United States, a gentleman, the friend and the companion of the general, throughout the whole course of the revolutionary war, applied for a lucrative and very responsible office. The gentleman was at all times welcome to Washington's table; he had been, to a certain degree, necessary to the domestic repose of a man, who had for seven years fought the battles of his country, and who had now undertaken the task of wielding her political energies. At all times, and in all places, Washington regarded his revolutionary associate with an eye of evident partiality and kindness. He was a jovial, pleasant, and unobtrusive companion. In applying for this office, it was accordingly in the full confidence of success; and his friends already cheered him on the prospect of his arrival at competency and ease. The opponent of this gentleman, was known to be decidedly hostile to the politics of Washington; he had even made himself conspicuous among the ranks of opposition. He had, however, the temerity to stand as candidate for the office to which the friend and the favorite of Washington aspired. He had nothing to urge in favor of his pretensions, but strong integrity, promptitude, and fidelity in business, and every quality which, if called into exercise, would render service to the state. Every one considered the application of this man hopeless; no glittering testimonial of merit had he to present to the eye of Washington; he was known to be his political enemy; he was opposed by a favorite of the general's; and yet, with such fearful odds, he dared to stand candidate. What was the result? The enemy of Washington was appointed to the office, and his table companion was left destitute and dejected. A mutual friend, who interested himself in the affair, ventured to remonstrate with the president on the injustice of his appointment. "My friend," said he, "I receive with a cordial welcome; he is welcome to my house, and welcome to my heart; but, with all his good qualities, he is not a man of business. His opponent is, with all his political hostility to me, a man of business; my private feelings have nothing to do in this case. I am not George Washington, but President of the United States; as George Washington, I would do this man any kindness in my power; but as President of the United States, I can do nothing." # 313. PEACI

Enviable Reputation

John Dickinson earned a reputation for principled peacemaking and fair arbitration.

John Dickinson, Esq., of Birmingham, was often called by way of distinction, "The Peace-maker;" and such was his anxiety to keep the bonds of peace from being broken—such was his solicitude to heal the breach when made, that he would stoop to any act but that of meanness—make any sacrifice but that of principle—and endure any mode of treatment, not excepting even insult and reproach. From the high estimate in which his character was held, he was often called upon to act as umpire in cases of arbitration, and it was but rarely, if ever, that the equity of his decisions was impeached. On one occasion, two men were disputing in a public-house about the result of an arbitration, when a third said, "Had John Dickinson any thing to do with it?" "Yes," was the reply. "The... all was right, I am sure;" and in this opinion the whole party concurred, and the disputation ceased.

The Honest Rebel And The King

A condemned rebel shows honesty and courage before the king, earning respect despite his plight.

In Calamy's Memoirs, there is an account of a man named Story, who was condemned for being in Monmouth's rebellion, but was reprieved by the interest of a friend with Judge Jeffries, and subsequently removed to Newgate. He was soon afterwards ordered to be brought before the Privy Council, in the same plight in which he then was, which was truly miserable. The keeper advised him, in case the king was present, that the wisest way for him would be to answer the questions put to him in a plain and direct manner, without concealing any thing— advice which he strictly followed.

When he was brought into the Council Chamber, he made so sad and sorrowful a figure, that all present were surprised and frightened; and he had so strong a smell, by being so long confined, that it was very offensive.

When the king first cast his eyes upon him, he cried out, "Is that a man, or what else is it?"

Chancelor Jeffries told his Majesty, that that was the Story of whom he had given his Majesty so distinct an account.

"Oh, Story," says the king, "I remember him. That is a rare fellow indeed!" Then, turning towards him, he talked to him very freely and familiarly "Pray, Mr. Story," said he, "you were in Monmouth's army in the west, were you not?"

He, according to the advice given him, made answer presently, "Yes, an't please your Majesty."

"And you," said he, "was a commissary there, were you not?"

And he again replied, "Yes, an't please your Majesty."

"And you," said he, "made a speech before great crowds of people, did you not?"

He again very readily answered, "Yes, an't please your Majesty."

"Pray," says the king to him, "if you hav'nt forgot what you said, let us have some taste of your fine florid speech; let us have a specimen of some flowers of your rhetoric, and a few of the main things on which you insisted."

Whereupon, Mr. Story told us that he readily made answer, "I told them, an't please your Majesty, that it was you that fired the city of London."

"A rare rogue, upon my word," said the king. "And pray what else did you tell them?"

"I told them," said he, "an't please your Majesty, that you poisoned your brother."

"Impudence in the utmost height of it," said the king; "pray let us hear something further, if your memory serves you."

"I further told them," said Mr. Story, "that your Majesty appeared to be fully determined to make the nation both Papists and slaves."

By this time, the king seemed to have heard enough of the prisoner's speech; and, therefore, crying out, "A rogue with a witness;" and cutting off short, he said, "to all this, I doubt not but a thousand other villanous things were added. But what would you say, Story, if, after all this, I should grant you your life?"

To which he, without any demur, made answer, that he should pray heartily for his Majesty as long as he lived.

"Why, then," said the king, "I freely pardon the past; and hope you will not, for the future, represent your king as inexorable."

91 Sermon Illustrations on Integrity