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PRESIDENT LINCOLN, 
 
 A FAITHFUL SON. 
 
 AN ADDRESS , 
 
 ^*t^ 
 
 DELIVERED BEFORE THE 
 
 HIGH SCHOOL 
 
 AT LAWRENCEVILLE, N. J., 
 
 SAMUEL M. HAMILL, D.D, 
 
 axme 1st, 18G5. 
 
 -— «- 
 
 ■ TRENTON: 
 
 MURPHY & BECHTEL, PRINTERS, OPPOSITE THE CITY HALL. 
 1 S 6 5. 
 
S>j . 
 
PRESIDENT LINCOLN, 
 
 A FAITHFUL SON. 
 
 AN ADDRESS 
 
 DELIVERED BEFORE THE 
 
 HIGH SCHOOL, 
 
 AT LAWRENCEVILLE, N. J., 
 
 SAMUEL M. HAMILL, D.D., 
 
 »J\ine 1st, 1S65. 
 
 TRENTON: 
 MURPHY & BECHTEL, PRINTERS, OPPOSITE THE CITY HALL, 
 
 18 6 5. 
 

 Classical and Commercial High School, 
 
 Lawrenceville, N. J., June 8, 1865. 
 Dear Sir: — Permit us to suggest to you, the propriety of publish- 
 ing the address delivered before this Institution, on the first day of 
 June. It impressed us, as bringing out features of character in our 
 late lamented President, which are very desirable to be presented to 
 the minds of the young. We think its publication will do good. 
 
 Yours Truly, 
 
 H. HAMILL, 
 EDWARD P. WOOD, 
 WILLIAM SWAN, 
 EDMUND McKINNEY. 
 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 In accordance with the suggestion contained in your note, the 
 address delivered before the High School, on the first day of June, in 
 relation to our late lamented President, is submitted for publication. 
 
 Most Truly Yours, 
 
 S. M. HAMILL. 
 Rev. H. Hamill, Edward P. Wood, Wm. Swan, Edmund McKinney. 
 
ADDRESS. 
 
 We are assembled on this day of humiliation and prayer, 
 in obedience to the proclamation of the President of. the 
 United States, in accordance with the sentiments of the com- 
 munity in which we live, and with the feelings of our own 
 hearts. We liave need to be humbled under the mighty hand 
 of God, to stand in awe as we see His stately steppings, and 
 listen to His voice, as He proclaims in terrible majesty, " Be 
 still and know that I am God." " I will be exalted amon^ 
 the nations." 
 
 The inscrutable Providence which allowed our late beloved 
 President, to be stricken down by the ruthless hand of the 
 assassin, is one of those remarkable instances where God has 
 asserted His control and made Himself known, in a manner' 
 that has led men to pause in amazement and stand in awe of 
 Him. He has taught the nation and the world a lesson 
 which the memory of man will never forget. Time may roll 
 on — its sweeping current carry myriads to the tomb, genera- 
 tions may die, centuries may close up the'r long cycles, 
 nations may be revolutionized, the vast fabrics of empire may 
 all crumble and others arise in their places, but the short and 
 eventful public life and violent death of Abraham Lincoln will 
 be remembered away beyond thera all. How wonderful the 
 Providence that has caused the very manner of his death to 
 concentrate an interest in his life, to a degree beyond all 
 
liunian calculation ; to make that life one of the great focal 
 points in the history of man. 
 
 At the close of the deeply solemn and interesting funeral 
 ceremonies which took place in the executive mansion, at 
 Washington, at which it was my privilege to be present, 
 twelve stalwart veteran soldiers carried the body of the 
 President out of the East room. It was taken to the Capitol 
 and to the railroad car, to be borne off over thousands of 
 intervening miles to Springfield, 111., to rest with his beloved 
 children in the silent grave. But a nation in mourning has 
 caught up his name, and will bear it onward, and onward, 
 and onward, as the sweep of its empire widens and strength- 
 ens, and prolongs its reign. A moment accomplished his 
 death ; but eternity alone will reveal the results of his life. 
 A nation saved will be his witness ; a race set free will cor- 
 roborate the testimony. Thousands of volumes will proclaim 
 his eventful rule, and history, in its calm and truthful record, 
 will bring out in bold relief the fact that his was 
 
 " One of the few immortal names 
 That were not born to die." 
 
 The proclamation of the President suggests that on this 
 occasion we should dwell upon the virtues of the deceased. 
 In this duty there is a melancholy pleasure. And as I am 
 addressing a company of youth, let me gather from the life of 
 tlie lamented dead, the instruction that will be most profitable 
 for you. 
 
 President Lincoln's life speaks volumes to American youth. 
 His simplicity of character, his artlessness, his honesty of 
 purpose, his wonderful perseverance, his love of what Yirgil, 
 in his Georgics, terms the " labor improbus" his striking illus- 
 tration of what such labor can accomplish, his steady bearing 
 in a single line of action, his planting his foot firmly and in 
 
 I n r> nn 
 
5 
 
 the right t-pot, and thcii maintainiug his jiosition l)eeau.<c it 
 was right, against any and all men, his f'aitlifiilness as a son, 
 his respect for religion, his humility, his humanity, his inllu- 
 ence OA^er the minds of men, his heroic virtue, and the wonder- 
 fully massive results of his eveotful career, point him out as 
 one of the most remarkable of men. He stands out before 
 the world and for all time, as a i-cmarkable instance of what, 
 American institutions can prtxbice. Tliey can })ick u[) an 
 humble farmer's boy, without a dollar and without a book, 
 and carry him away from fencing his father's farm, and after 
 taking him through a course in the district school, such as 
 the frontiers afford, and of training in Aiuerican law, pie- 
 pare him to become a great leader of men and controller of 
 mind, and at last place him at the head of the greatest of 
 nations. What institutions can Ije found elsewhere which, 
 with such simple instrumentalities, can ])roduro such amazing 
 results. 
 
 Abraham Lincoln first saw the light on the 12th day of 
 February, 1809, iu Hardin county, central Kentucky. He 
 had that greatest of blessings to any youth (and yet a blessing 
 which youth are apt to undervaluej, a pious motiier. There 
 is always hope of a boy that has had the early training of a 
 pious mother, especially if he respects and loves her. This 
 godly woman had no doubt sent up many an earnest prayer 
 on behalf of her dear son, when he was sleeping in infancy 
 upon her lap. That care which none but a mother knows, 
 and no son can sufficiently value or repay, followed him 
 through infancy and boyhood. Her earnest desire that he 
 should learn to read the Bible, soon made him familiar with 
 this book. In this sacred volume is found the foundation of 
 all law. His knowledge of it, lighted up his way through 
 many an intricate case, when a practitioner at the Bar, It 
 
was often quoted by him as the highest authority in important 
 decisions, when presiding over the destinies of the nation. 
 On more than one occasion a simple Scriptural truth, aptly 
 applied by him, settled groat national principles. A clergy- 
 man, who was present, stated to me the following fact. It 
 occurred at Washington, and illustrates this point. A cotton 
 speculator was urging his plea for executive aid in carrying 
 out certain plans. The President heard his statements 
 patiently and declined action. The man urged the point. 
 President Lincoln said to him, at last, " Do you know what 
 the good book says ?" looking earnestly at the man and point- 
 ing with his finger enforcing every word, he continued : "It 
 says, 'Ye cannot serve God and mammon.' Now, my friend, 
 I say to you, that in this transaction, you cannot serve cotton 
 and country, and I could not aid you if you were my own 
 brother." The man was struck dumb, and felt that here was 
 an ultima ratio that carried conviction and from which there 
 was no appeal. 
 
 The important truths drawn from the Inspired Word, 
 learned by the boy, under his pious mother's instruction 
 during the first ten years of his life in his rural home, made 
 the man. They became, under God, a power. That power, 
 with its tremendous leverage, lifted him to the Presidency. 
 And that Presidency became the instrument of salvation to a 
 nation, of freedom to a race, and of life to millions. 
 
 The boy starts to school with his spelling book at seven 
 years of age. It is one of three books which constitute the 
 family library. What an illustration that it is not mere 
 books that make men. It is what a boy draws from them. 
 It is more than this. It is what they draw from him. 
 He may have his desk full of books and yet learn almost 
 nothing. He may have access to the choicest libraries, yet 
 
leani very little. It is not what is in the books, but what he 
 transfers from them to his mind and heart and life, that makes 
 the scholar and the man. Abraham Lincoln's well used copy 
 of Dilwor.h's Spelling Book and Bible were worth more to 
 him than a whole library to a boy that would not use tiiem. 
 
 The removal of his father from the State of Kentucky to 
 Indiana, took the subject of our remarks into a new sphere 
 at the age of eight years. At this early age he was a most 
 important aid to his father in constructing the log tenement 
 which was to house the future President for the next twelve 
 years of his life. 
 
 A new trial soon happened to him. It was the death of 
 his excellent mother. It must have been a great source of 
 consolation to both, however, that he was able to read the 
 Bible to her on her dying bed. And when she died he was 
 able to write, at this tender age, to a minister of the Gospel 
 to come and preach her funeral sermon. 
 
 In his new home he found a school, to which he was eager 
 to go, and where he soon became a diligent pupil. Two 
 lines of record, with regard to him, tell the whole story. It 
 is this : " His progress was rapid, and his perseverance and 
 faithfulness won the interest and esteem of his teacher.'' Such 
 a record of any youth is an index of future greatness. 
 
 At nineteen years of age, we find him making a trip to New 
 Orleans, in execution of an important commission which he 
 successfully carried out. The confidence that he inspired at 
 this early period, in his energy, business qualifications, skill 
 and honesty, may be inferred from the fact that the product 
 of several farms were committed to his care, with a com- 
 panion, to be transported on a flat boat fifteen hundred miles 
 away, to find a market in a distant city, and their value to 
 be brought safely back. 
 
8 
 
 He remains faithfullv with his fatlier until he ha.< reachod 
 manhood. He shows none of that restlessness so common 
 among our youth to get away from parental restraint and 
 the ties of home. He has learned to ol)cy his parents and 
 to respect and honor them. Pie accompanies his father in 
 the various changes of his home and labors for his support 
 and that of his family. He remembers the command " Honor 
 thy father and thy mother." How beautiful is obedience to 
 parental authority, wherever you see it. It is a guarantee of 
 a happy and successful future. It is said that he delighted, 
 even when President, to show a cane made from one of the 
 rails split by himself when he was a young man on liis father's 
 farm. He had none of that sickly sentiment wljich leads a 
 youth to be ashamed of his early history. 
 
 What might we look for from such a training ? We may 
 look for manly, vigorous traits of character, and we have 
 them. He starts out for himself. He feels that he can 
 depend on himself, and, with the blessing of God, will suc- 
 ceed. He teaches and imparts successfully the knowledge he 
 has acquired. He has learned to govern himself, and is 
 capable of governing otliers. Men are called for to defend 
 that section of country against the Indians. A company is 
 formed where he resides. He joins them and is elected their 
 captain. Though one of the youngest of their number he is 
 selected as their leader. How strong this testimony in favor 
 of so young a man. He is made captain, not by wealth or 
 overpowering influence, but by merit. He leads successfully 
 and gathers new honor. He lays aside the sword and culti- 
 vates the arts of peace. He becomes a student of law. He 
 is admitted to the Bar, and in less than ten years his able and 
 learned legal instructor pronounces him his own superior 
 before a jury. He is scut to the Legislature of the State of 
 
his adoption. He rises to distinction here, and is repeatedly- 
 sent back again. He is elected to Congress, and there, with 
 manly independence, stands forth as the only advocate from 
 Illinois of great principles which have since become the fixed 
 policy of the government and country. But he lived to see 
 the State of Illinois indorse that policy. He is sent to im- 
 portant conventions, and displays remarkable ability and 
 tact. He gains new laurels at every point. Men look at 
 him. They see elements of character. They see honesty of 
 purpose and marks of great leadership. They trust him and 
 their confidence is fully met. He was never known to have 
 been placed in a position, where he failed to meet the reason- 
 able expectations of his friends. 
 
 When he had reached his profession and established a rep- 
 utation. Providence had provided for him a suitable partnerj 
 She was the descendent of a Revolutionary patriot. Let us 
 note how God rewards faithfulness. 
 
 About the year 1758 there settled in eastern Pennsylvania, 
 near the Trappe, in Montgomery county, a pious couple, John 
 and Isabella Todd. They trained up their numerous house- 
 hold in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The 
 period of 1776 found their children grown up. They 
 espoused the cause of the Colonies. Their sons were able to 
 bear arms. Three of them were in some of the most impor- 
 tant battles of the Revolution. They were severally present 
 at the battles of Germantown, Monmouth, Trenton and Prince- 
 ton. Two of them spent the memorable winter with Wash-> 
 ington at Valley Forge. When the Revolution was over, 
 these two sons of that interesting period went out, with the 
 blessing of their parents, to seek a home in the West. They 
 settled eventually in Kentucky. The Lord prospered them 
 and gave them influence. He gave their name to one of the 
 
10 
 
 counties of Kentucky.* He gave, too, a grand-daughter of one 
 of them to be the wife of President Lincoln, who, ardent, faith- 
 ful and heroic, might bless him with her love, cheer him by her 
 smiles, and sustain him by her sympathy. Thus was the faith- 
 fulness and patriotism of a son of the Revolution, rewarded 
 even to the third generation. 
 
 But ah, the keenness of the anguish that fills that stricken 
 widow's heart, the sadness that fills those of her beloved boys, 
 now more dear to her than ever ! Our own hearts are melted 
 into tenderness as we dwell upon it, and sorrow comes rushing 
 in upon us like a flood. A nation mourns in sadness too. 
 
 Some have expressed wonder that such a man should be 
 permitted to die such a death. But sacred history informs 
 us that righteous Abel was stricken down by the hand of 
 violence, and that the hand of his own In-other. Good King 
 Josiah, one of the best of Israel's rulers, was pierced by an 
 arrow and weltered in his own blood in his chariot. The 
 devout Stephen was slain by a mob. And the Apostle to the 
 Gentiles, after his great mission was completed, was beheaded 
 in the presence of a Roman emperor. 
 
 The commanding position that Mr. Lincoln had taken and 
 held so well, was strengthened by his discussion of great 
 principles with the late distinguished Senator from Illinois, 
 (Hon. S. A. Douglas,) who had earned the title of the giant 
 of the west. That discussion, managed so adroitly and ably 
 by Mr. Douglas, and so manfully, vigorously and successfully 
 by Mr. Lincoln, will long be remembered as one of the ablest 
 exhibitions of forensic power ever made in tliis country. The 
 two champions in that remarkable debate bccamlf* eventually 
 the standard-bearers of two great parties in a contest which 
 shook the nation to its centre. 
 
 «Todd County. 
 
11 
 
 When the Chicago Convention of 1860 sought a candidate 
 for the Presidency, all eyes were turned to Mr. Lincoln. The 
 streams of influence flowed in toward Springfield as the 
 rivers flow to the sea. The successful advocate, the wise 
 counsellor, the honest man, was called into requisition. The 
 voice of the people summoned him to Washington, to lay his 
 hand upon the helm of state. How eventful the time ! How 
 the nation trembled ! How men's hearts failed them for fear ! 
 The heavy cloud of civil war was already above the horizon. 
 It ascended in awful grandeur to the zenith, and overspread 
 the heavens. The lightning flashed, the thunder rolled, and 
 the storm burst forth with terrific fury, threatening ruin 
 everywhere. And yet, self-poised and calm, amidst the 
 raging elements, the gaping wave and rushing flood, this 
 helmsman stood, with steady hand and fixed eye, with nerves 
 of steel and patriotic heart. His playful pleasantry promoted 
 cheerfulness and hope, while hope inspired confidence, and 
 confidence insured success. And when the people's voice 
 again, in louder, stronger, fuller tone, proclaimed a nation's 
 confidence in him, and insisted that be should maintain his 
 position, the storm gave way, and the noble ship moved 
 forth upon a calmer sea. All honor to the illustrious chief 
 who directed her way. But as the storm abates, the chieftain 
 falls. The hand of violence has struck him down. Just as 
 the nation looks in admiration on the man, and hearts of 
 swelling gratitude and love speak forth his praise, he is no 
 more. Just as a burden is rolled oS" from every loyal heart, 
 we are overwhelmed with sorrow. How sad the calamity ! 
 How inscrutible the Providence ! 
 
 Faithful son ! unswerving patriot ! judicious counsellor ! 
 beloved President ! illustrious man 1 Thy nation has lost a 
 martyred father ! Thy country mourns a most noble son ! 
 
f*.