The Washington herald., 1909-02-08

The first of the Lincoln centenary ser
mons IN Washington was preached by
Rev John Reid Shannon. D. D., Of the
Metropolitan Methodist Episcopal Church.
last night
Il was the forerunner OF a tribute
which VIII be paid In fullest measure
next Sunday. when practically all the
pulpits OF ths Capital viii join IN ex-
alting the character Of the first Amer
lean"
Rev. Dr. Shannon made his sermon
merely the opening chapter Of that which
Is TO follow when the centenary celsbra-
ton is in fuH tide.
Gods greatest, gTsndest prophet 70
the American people" was the phase OF
the subject 70 which he addressed him
self II VIII be followed by The religion
OF Abraham LAncoln.'' IN which Dr.. shan
non viii pay his respects 10 the infidels
and free-thinkers who have claimed the
enancipator for their own.
Chosen by Providence.
Lincoln was Provldentlel man" said
the divine. The processes OF his mind
and soul are inscrutable except upon the
basis that God called him 20 be the
savior OF the American Union In his
elevation 70 the Presidency we have
Gods choice in an even greater degree
than we have the choice OF the American
people.
His face IS great scroll upon which
we may read the profound tragedy OF
the civil strife Little wonder IS & that
re cried out from the depths or his na-
ture that ne be permitted 20 exchange
I places with the hu1nblest private blvouack-
ing on the battlefield II there be any
man n the world that suffers more IN
his heart than do. he said. may God
pity him
Excepting Jesus Christ. lincoln was
the most r1agnsnimOus man who ever
! lived. He rose 10 the greatest heights
known TO human history. His Is the
most majestic figure IN ali the chronicles
I % the race I am not bound 10 win.
/ but I am bound 20 be true he said 7
I am not bound 70 succeed, but I an bound
TO I've up 70 the light that Is n ne
Greatest Of Race.
I His Is q colossal personality. He unites
in himself such unique forces that he IS
/ a phenomenOn- The verdict OF history
+ in that the AnglO-Saxon race has never
produced a greater man HIS nams Is
/ spoken with rove wherever human liberty
/ has friend. wherever human brother
I hood has a patron.
That which upheld him under his ire
/ uendoUs burdens was MS faith IN God.
That alone kept him adheTing with IN
/ flexible determination 20 4 policy OF ad-
/ ministration that he believed 10 be IN
I accordance with righteousness. Re rests
( n the truth of Gods sovereignty in
national affairs IS n q sanctuary built
+ upon eternal rock and lighted by the
I sun OF the heavens.
Deep Religious Faith.
NO other ruler IN history has ever
manifested such a trust in Gods prov
fdence in al great national exigencies
And for Us al Il Is better 10 have no
foothold IN the world, and 20 be on the
side OF righteousness. rather than the
reverse OF this condition What does Il
profit q man 10 gain the world, and lose
his own soul?
! 'Lincoln'S GROWING greatness inheres
IN his moral character There IS divine
chlvalry IN his loyalty 20 what he be
heved 70 be his duty. AS the needle CT
all seas. IN calm and IN storm, IS true 10
the pole, so was Re true 70 himself IN
all matters great and small
NO man 50 soTeiy tried and tested.
no man with abOunding love IN his
heart, and great principle in his soul,
was 30 compelled 10 bear the brunt of
leadership while this nation washed out
| its sins in blood