The leader., 1899-02-15

downright ugly but Tor certain KIND
illness of expression which relieved his
countenance of lines which might
otherwise have been repulsive.
There was nothing accidental about
this man. All that he did was done
with a purpose that was successfully
concealed from the closest of his
friends, but which it is not difficult to
discern in the eventful history of his
life.
1t is manifest that at the outset he
decided to be true to himself and TO
employ his gifts to the best possible
purpose. In the working out of his
plans he evidenced no special brilliance,
he was never ehullient and he never
under any circumstances played to the
galleries. Without being a genius, and
with a personality clearly against him,
he arose steadily but slowly until he
had first place in the affections of all
the loyal people of the land.
All this was effected so slowly and so
seemingly without effort on his part
that one now seems at loss to under
stand how it was all brought about.
Considering the life of this truly re-
markable man, one is led more than
ever to the conclusion there is a divinity
which shapes our ends. Although a
member of the legislature several
terms he did not stamp his name upon
any of the statutes of the state. Serv-
ing term in congress, he made but
one inconsequential speech; contest
ing the seat of Douglas, after the mem
CRADLE contest before the people, he
had as his reward but the memory of
words we'll spoken in cause that was
holy and just. Nor is it likely that he
would have secured the nomination for
the presidency in 1860 had the assur-
ance been stronger that it was possible
for the newly-born republican party to
be successful.
1t is doubtful if in all history paral-
lei case can be found to that of this
truly wonderful and good man. One
president, Cleveland, had sudden and
phenomenal rise; but he had MANY
years of excellent training in school
of skilled political craft. and. besides,
the conditions in New York, which is
a pivotal one, are such as to warrant
the expectation of development all in
day. But Lincoln was country law
yer, diGgent in practice and devoting
only the leisure of his hours to the
trade of politics. His state was then
in the far west and had not become in
any sense factor of any note in Amer
lean politics.
Where, then, may we look to find ex-
PLANTATION for the browning success of
Lincoln? We may see It in quickened
conscience which hated wrong; in a
fixity of purpose which counted no OBJ
stacle as unsurmountable; in sympa-
thetic heart, which wept for the wrongs
of the oppressed, and in an invincible
courage which dared to do what right
is, though opposed by kings and prin-
cipalities and powers.
Lincoln's sense of right was acute
and he had no compromise with evil.
Unlike Webster, that colossus of in
finite greatness, he had no apology TO
make for or 10 the slaveholding power.
His tender nature rebelled against con-
ditions which permitted human beings
to be put into the shambles and sold
as lowing kline are sold. He was true
to himself and hence he could not 90
wrong
Ever firm in his adherence 10 the
right. he was equally marked In his
sympathy for the unfortunate. or for
those who suffered from any cause
When he became the head of the ma
ton, and the latter was plunged in a
desperate war, in which blood flowed
as water in mountain torrent. se
wept over the woes of his people, and
10 every way he sought to make less
terrible the hellishness of hattie. As
the Christ prayed for His enemies, 10