Chapter I: Front Matter

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.

VIII. THE MAN AND THE CONFIDENCE OF THE PEOPLE
Typical Incidents From Among Momentous Scenes.
Experiences Demanding Mercy and Not Sacrifice.
Humanity and the Great School of Experience.
Simple Interests That Never Grow Old.
Some Incidents From the Great Years.

IX. FALSEHOOD AIDS NO ONE'S TRUTH
Freedom to Misrepresent Is Not Freedom.
Homely Ways To Express Truth.

X. THE FRIEND OF HUMANITY
The Great Tragedy.
The Time When "Those Who Came To Scoff Remained
To Pray."
Some Typical Examples Giving Views of Lincoln's Life.
Remembrance At the End of a Hundred Years.

XI. CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS
A Masterpiece of Meaning for America.
The Harmonizing Contrast of Men.
The Mission of America.

LINCOLN AND AMERICAN FREEDOM