THE WONDERFUL STORY OF LINCOLN "I see him, as he stands, With gifts of mercy in his outstretched hands; A kindly light within his gentle eyes, Sad as the toil in which his heart grew wise; His lips half parted with the constant smile That kindled truth but foiled the deepest guile; His head bent forward, and his willing ear Divinely patient right and wrong to hear: Great in his goodness, humble in his state, Firm in his purpose, yet not passionate, He led his people with a tender hand, And won by love a sway beyond command." GEORGE H. BOKER. _Inspiration Series of Patriotic Americans_ THE WONDERFUL STORY OF LINCOLN AND THE MEANING OF HIS LIFE FOR THE YOUTH AND PATRIOTISM OF AMERICA BY C. M. STEVENS _Author of "The Wonderful Story of Washington"_ NEW YORK CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY Copyright, 1917, by CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY Printed in U. S. A. CONTENTS CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTORY CONSIDERATIONS A Personal Life and Its Interest to Americans. The Process of Life from Within. A Life Built as One Would Have the Nation. II. THE PROBLEM OF A WORTH-WHILE LIFE The Lincoln Boy of the Kentucky Woods. Home-Seekers in the Wild West. A Wonderful Family in the Desolate Wilderness. Way-Marks of Right Life. III. THE LINCOLN BOY How the Lincoln Boy Made the Lincoln Man. Some Signs Along the Early Way. Illustrations Showing the Making of a Man. Lincoln's First Dollar. The Characteristics of a Superior Mind. IV. THE WILDERNESS AS THE GARDEN OF POLITICAL LIBERTY Small Beginnings in Public Esteem. Tests of Character on the Lawless Frontier. The Pioneer Missionary of Humanity. Experiences in the Indian War. Life-Making Decisions. V. BUSINESS NOT HARMONIOUS WITH THE STRUGGLE FOR LEARNING Making a Living and Learning the Meaning of Life. Out of the Wilderness Paths into the Great Highway. Lincoln's First Law Case. The Man Who Could Not Live for Self Alone. VI. HELPFULNESS AND KINDNESS OF A WORTH-WHILE CHARACTER The Love of Freedom and Truth. Wit-Makers and Their Wit. Turbulent Times and Social Storms. The Frontier "Fire-Eater." Honor to Whom Honor Is Due. VII. SIMPLICITY AND SYMPATHY ESSENTIAL TO GENUINE CHARACTER Nearing the Heights of a Public Career. Some Characteristics of Momentous Times. The Beginnings of Great Tragedy. The Life Struggle of a Man Translated Into the Life Struggle of a Nation. Some Human Interests Making Lighter the Burdens of the Troubled Way.