Weekly Trinity journal., 1868-04-11
LINCOLN.


Before another issue of the JOURNAL reaches
its readers day will dawn reminding rs of
ABRAHAM LINCOLN living, and ABRiHAx LrNcoLs
unconscious lingering in DEATH" On the 14th
day of April, 1865, all felt that the struggle was
ended, all hearts were gladdened at the near ap-
proach of peace Sherman had driven Johnston
to the wall, Lee had surrendered to Grant, Jef
Davis was a hunted fugitive, and the War De-
partment had ordered an immediate reduction Of
the military force. On the evening of that fatal
day, in the midst of universal rejoicing, when
his name was on every tongue, and the heart Of
the nation beat high with grateful, loving conf
dence and praise, ABRAHAM LINCOLN, the loved
and honored ruler of the American Nation, was
struck down by the hand of an ever infamous as
sassin. The revulsion Of feeling was terrific
No one not living at the time can ever realize the
sorrow everywhere felt. The simultaneous sus-
pension of business, the display of sable drape-
~, the assemblages in every hamlet and city,
told the world that an entire people mourned.-
Never before had any generation witnessed such
an universal, heartfelt offering to the memory of
a departed statesman. Wherever along the jour-
ney to their final resting-place the sainted relics
lay in silent state, his countrymen hastened to
pay sad homage to their Presidents remains
The most imposing ceremonies the most earnest
demonstrations and touching devices of woe the
hearts of men could frame, imperfectiy expressed
the depth of the general grief. Public opinion
Indignantly declared the assassin without the
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ity and while his victim was being honored by
every mark of respect and affection, retributive
Providence decreed that John Wilkes Booth,
hunted down like wild beast, price upon his
head, should perish like dog.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN was prominently man of
the people. Nopublc man was ever more thor
oughly American, or more readily interpreted
public sentiment. At the time of his accession
to the Presidency the London Times, referring to
American affairs remarked that " no European
statesman would willingly assume Lincoln's re-
sponsibilities," and that g time will show of
what material the American President is made. "
Ascending step by step from the humber walks
of life to the highest position in the gift of his
countrymen, his name recalls all that adorns and
exalts the citizen and patriot. Hallowed by the
joyful tears of four millions of liberated bonds
men, the name of ABRAHAM LINCOLN will be hand
ed down to coming generations not alone as an
ornament to US as a nation, but as chosen
champion of the genius of liberty, rare, re-
nowned benefactor of the human race. No pub
lie man was ever more thoroughly tested. Con-
Quoting gigantic, fuctuating war during four
years of unrelenting opposition, bitterly assailed
by ridcule and SANDER, his judgment patience
and magnanimity triumphantly passed the or
deal. His almost last W ords expressed ennobling
sentiments of leniency and forgiveness towards
the conquered foe. sWith malice towards none,
with charity for ALL, his failings ever leaned to
virtues side. His life furnishes a shining exam
pie for all to emulate, and the manner of his ia
king-of will plead for the freedom of man for
ever. His memory will live in the hearts of his
countrymen and in the love of. all mankind to
the end of time.
When we review the events of the last three
years, how fully do we realize the magnitude of
our loss How frequent the remark in the midst
of political strife, L" if Lincoln had lived all
would have been WE'LL" The great work to
which he dedicated himself-to preserve the Re-
public and establish it upon the broad, immuta-
BILE foundation of universal liberty and equal and
exact Justice for all, remains unfinished. Let us
stand by the teachings of our martyred Presi-
dent. Let us adopt his eloquent words as our
own, and solemnly proclaim to the world "that
we the living dedicate ourselves to the unfinished
WOTk ne So HODly CdTTleu tuaI lTom Jul uou-
honored dead we take increased devotion to the
cause to which he gave the last full measure of
devotion, that the nation under God shall have a
new birth of freedom, and that government of
the people, by the people, for the people, shall
not perish from the earth"
"LrScoLN sleep now in peace! Thy memory
Girt with double halo will remain;
In good mems hearts thy will live,
And tolls poor sons, soldiers to duty vowed,
The lowly, simple meek ones of the earth,
Shall find in thee the hero of their dreams.
The worship of those ancient ravagers
OF states and cities, whose triumphant feet
Trampled to dust alike the child and sire.
Scourges of God, in history shall pale
Before the growing splendor of thy fame.
O, gentle hero wise and great pebeian,
Sleep thou in peace we bless theel sleep thou WE'LL
The great good man lives for all time. all men,
And when he dies his country not alone,
But all the world his memory inherits
To thee the slaves discovered chain,
Thrones the example of a duty done;
Thy country owes to thee peace, strength restored
Europe ideal grand and underlined;
And future ages shall thy rame nscribe
Higher than C@sars-next to Washington"