University Missourian. [volume] (Columbia, Mo.) 1908-1916, 1909-02-19
LINCOLN'S
FIVE BOOKS

vOlumes-a pioneers library.
First. of course, was the Bible. a
whole library in itself if properly un-
derstOOd and containing every sort OF
observation-disclosures. poems. dramas. ad-
dresses, OratiOns. histories, some simple
enough for the youngest child. Others
taxing the wisdom of the learned.
Second was ''Pilgrim's Progress
with its quaint characters and vivid
scenes related in simple, vigorous Eng
lish. 'AesOp's Fables" was third
and introduced the log cabin boy to a
wonderful range of characteristic
gods of mythology. the different ranks
and classes of mankind and every ami
NAL.
Fourth was history of the United
States. in which there was the charm of
truth and a more modern tone. and
from which We're learned the lessons of
patriotism that LincOln's manhood put
into action. Last came Weemss Life
of Washington" queer. stilted book
but one full of detail that made Wash
ingtOn seem a living example.
These five books were the beginning
of LincOln's education From the Bible.
"Pilgrim's Progress and Aesop the boy
Lincoln learned the power and beauty
of plain English words and saw that
the grandest thoughts and most poetic
needed only the strong little
words of every day. When therefore in
later life he wished to be sure he under
stood any matter it became his custom
to translate it into words such as
child can understand. Read again the
Gettysburg address and the second inau-
gllral address and learn how Lincoln.
the President. could make the home
spun words of common Use move the
hearts of his fellow men.
I'm Nicolay and Hays Life of Lin
.oln" it is recorded that '-he read these
five books over and over till he knew
hem almost by heart. He would sit
N the twilight and read a dictionary
Us long as he could see. He even de-
'Oured the Revised Statutes of
Indiana as boys in our day do The
Three Guardsmen'
'lIe could not afford to waste paper
lpon his original compositions. He
would sit by the fire at night and cover
he wooden shovel with ESSAYS and ar
exercises. which he would |
have off and then begin again. 1t is |
ouching to think of this great. spirited
hid. battling year after year against
lis evil star. wasting his ingenuity up
N devices and makeshifts. his high in
diligence starving for want of the sim
lie appliances of education that are
Ow offered gratis to the poorest and
no>t Indifferent
The few books he was able to get
,ade the kcen-witted country boy anx-
'uS to find people who could answer
is questions for him. In those days
lany men. clergymcn. Judges and law
crS. rode on circuit. stopping overnight
any farmhouse they mi ght happen
pom. When such man would ride up
D the Lincoln clearing he was usually
'et by a small boy who would fire
neStions at him before he could dis
IOunt from his horse.
The visitor would be amused. but
ON Lincoln thought that poor sort
hospitality. He would come running
1T of the house and say stop that ,
be. What's happened to your man -.
'rs:' Then he would turn to the .
aveller. You must excuse him. p
light stranger. and come i'm to sup
r.
Then Abe would 60 away whistling
show that he didn't care When he
und his cousin Dennis Hanks he said.
"a says its not polite to ask ques- "
Dns. but | guess | wasn't meant to be '
lite. There's such lot of things to Il
low. and how am I going to know
EN- if | don't ask questions:' He
mply stored them away until later il
ne. and when supper was over he us "
lily found his chance to make Use of l
@ visitor. Ii
He said to his cousin Dennis one day: p
benny. the things | want to know are
books. My best friend is the man
10 will get me one r.
Dennis was very fond of his Younger =,
l>in and as soon as he could save up >.
p money he went to town and bought 81;
copy of the Arabian Nights" He ;;
We this to Abe. and the latter at once :,
,rted to read it aloud by the wood
p in the evenings. His mother. his
ter Sally and Dennis We're his audi
ce.
His father thought the reading only m
waste of time and said: Abe. YOUR
'ther can't work with You pestering in
r like that" But Mrs. Lincoln said IL
! stories helped her. and so the read p;
. went on. When he came to the 9,