these States, a few years back in their lives, were hired laborers.  The prudent, penniless beginner in the world labors for wages awhile, saves a surplus with which to buy tools or land for himself; then labors on his own account another while, and at length hires another new beginner to help him.  This is the just and generous and prosperous system, which opens the way to all, gives hope to all, and consequent energy and progress and improvement of condition to all.  No men living are more worthy to be trusted than those who toil up from poverty—­none less inclined to take, or touch, aught which they have not honestly earned.  Let them beware of surrendering a political power which they already possess, and which, if surrendered, will surely be used to close the door of advancement against such as they, and to fix new disabilities and burdens upon them till all of liberty shall be lost.

The struggle of to-day is not altogether for to-day—­it is for a vast future also.  With a reliance on Providence, all the more firm and earnest, let us proceed in the great task which events have devolved upon us.

The reception given at the White House on New Year’s day, 1862, was a brilliant and memorable affair.  It was attended by distinguished army officers, prominent men from civil life, and the leading ladies of Washington society.  “Army uniforms preponderated over black dress coats, and the young Germans of Blenker’s division were gorgeously arrayed in tunics embroidered with gold on the collars and cuffs, sword-belts of gold lace, high boots, and jingling spurs.”  It was such a scene as that before the battle of Waterloo, when the

... capital had gathered then Her beauty and her chivalry, and bright The lamps shone o’er fair women and brave men; A thousand hearts beat happily; and when Music arose, with its voluptuous swell, Soft eyes looked love to eyes that spake again, And all went merry as a marriage bell.

How many of these brave men were destined never to see another New Year’s day; and how many of those soft eyes would soon be dimmed with tears!  Something of this feeling must have come over the sad soul of Lincoln.  An eye-witness says that he “looked careworn and thoughtful, if not anxious; yet he had a pleasant word for all.”

Early in 1862 an event occurred which added to the sorrow that seemed to enshroud the life of Lincoln, and afforded a glimpse into the depths of his tender and sorrowful nature.  It was the death of his son Willie, a bright and promising boy, to whom his father was devotedly attached.  “This,” says Dr. J.G.  Holland, “was a new burden; and the visitation which, in his firm faith in Providence, he regarded as providential, was also inexplicable.  Why should he, with so many burdens upon him, and with such necessity for solace in his home and his affections, be brought into so tender a trial?  It was to him a trial of faith, indeed.  A Christian