debates with Douglas and the national attention they
attracted, and of Judge Davis' remark, "Lincoln has more commonsense than
any other man in America"; and then, chiefly through Judge Davis'
influence, of his being nominated for President at the Chicago Convention.
I knew of his election, and the coming of the war, and the long, hard
fight, when friends and foes beset, and none but he had the patience and
the courage that could wait. And then I knew of his death, that death
which then seemed a calamity--terrible in its awful blackness.

But now the years have passed, and I comprehend somewhat of the paradox
of things, and I know that this death was just what he might have prayed
for. It was a fitting close for a life that had done a supreme and mighty
work. His face foretold the end.

Lincoln had no home ties. In that plain, frame house, without embellished
yard or ornament, where I have been so often, there was no love that held
him fast. In that house there was no library, but in the parlor, where six
haircloth chairs and a slippery sofa to match stood guard, was a marble
table on which were various giftbooks in blue and gilt. He only turned to
that home when there was no other place to go. Politics, with its
attendant travel and excitement, allowed him to forget the
what-might-have-beens. Foolish bickering, silly pride, and stupid
misunderstanding pushed him out upon the streets and he sought to lose
himself among the people. And to the people at length he gave his time,
his talents, his love, his life. Fate took from him his home that the
country might call him savior. Dire tragedy was a fitting end; for only
the souls who have suffered are well-loved.

Jealousy, disparagement, calumny, have all made way, and North and South
alike revere his name.

The memory of his gentleness, his patience, his firm faith, and his great
and loving heart are the priceless heritage of a united land. He had
charity for all and malice toward none; he gave affection, and affection
is his reward.

Honor and love are his.

* * * * *

SO HERE ENDETH "LITTLE JOURNEYS TO THE HOMES OF AMERICAN STATESMEN," BEING
VOLUME THREE OF THE SERIES, AS WRITTEN BY ELBERT HUBBARD: EDITED AND
ARRANGED BY FRED BANN; MCMXXII

***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LITTLE JOURNEYS TO THE HOMES OF THE
GREAT, VOLUME 3 (OF 14)***

******* This file should be named 13911.txt or 13911.zip *******

This and all a