The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1865-05-27

the peoples wrath, Mr.. Lincoln could moi
execute that wrath, He found II, from the
o~verttowlng kindness of his nature, almost
impossible to punish the guilty. Perhaps
there was no trait of his character 10 which
his enemies took more exception, and over
which his friends more deeply mourned. 1t
sometimes seriously embarrassed the regular
administrator of justice. The officers OF
the army and the Government said it was
useless TO arrest offenders and traitors, for
Mr.. Lincoln would pardon them. At the last
meeting of the Cabinet, held only the day
before his death, Mr.. Lincoln expressed his
determination 10 deal in the most liberal man.
ner with the rebellious States. As it has
been we'll remarked, e The great, capacious,
manly heart of Abraham Lincoln was gen.
erous enough TO have embraced all within the
forgiveness of its loving nature, and in their
madness they have killed him." The best
friend Of the rebels was assassinated by one
OF themselves, and no doubt if he could have
again spoken he would have PRAYED in the
language of our Savior on the Cross, Faith
er forgive them, they know not what they
do"
1he event 10 which your attention has now
been called will not pass into oblivion and be
forgotten. 1t was not done IN a corner, but
the crime was perpetrated, as it We're, in the
presence of a gazing crowd of spectators in
hnltely larger than that gathered in the the
alter where it took place. Abraham Lincoln
was assassinated on the worlds wide stage.
There was Il great cloud of witnesses. Now
what shall be its influence upon the Nation
and the world, we know not now, but we
shall know hereafter. 1t will be overruled
tor good. How unspeakably thankful we all
should be that he was spared thus long to the
Nation, even 10 see a virtual ending of the
rebellion. God permitted this stunning blow
TO tail for the accomplishment of some wise
purpose. | do believe that in after years and
ages 1t will be seen to have been necessary
for bringing about the final triumph of JUS
tlce and truth, and the punishment of the
guilty. For a season clouds and darkness
may surround the Throne of God and envel-
ope His plans and purposes. but ere long
He will make all clear and plain. If we are
and take the word of God for our
gtide. we shall see the dark clouds revealing
a rainbow of glorious promise. [ am conf |
lent that a brightand glorious future is open
ng before our country. Let US be hopeful.
treat results must follow from these tragic
events OF war and commotion. Surely we
nave witnessed enough 10 make us trustful
md conhdlng. 1t seems to be a law or prin-
,lple which God observes in his management
If nations as we'll as individuals, that when
lie would bestow some signal favor He pre-
,ares the way by severe ch~astisements.
Surely | think we may hope that God has
.reat good in store for that people when he
ball have chastised them for that great sin
+ slavery. That must be removed before the
come and the Gospel shall
verywhere triumph. In the appropriate
lnguage of Longfellow, | would exhort YOU,
Look not mournfulIy upon the past; it
mes not back again. Wisely improve the
resent it is thine. Go forth and meet the
ladowy future, without fear and with a
lanly heart" Letus not go forth, however,
listing In an "arIn of flesh" but in God,
IT Savior and Deliverer, most fully believ-
g the sentiment of the text, " What | do
Iou knowest not now, but thou shalt know
&" God IS the JUDGE"