Lincoln's power lay in his common sense and clear judgment. He was
unquestionably inspired. He was not a creature of circumstances, but
surely one of God's elect. Studying his life, we see little amid his
early surroundings to assist or guide him, save light from heaven.
Yet he reached manhood strong and brave, overcame every obstacle, and
so controlled his natural feelings and tendencies toward visionary
dreams, that he developed all his faculties for the practical uses of
everyday life. Fearless in his convictions, he zealously urged them
upon his fellow men with the gifted powers of an orator. He reached
the place of eminence for which he was destined, despite the
bitterest opposition, because he was thoroughly equipped for every
emergency. What was the secret of this man's greatness? It was
inspiration from God.
THE VALUE OF THE PUBLIC SPEAKING
CLUB TO THE BUSINESS MAN
The question has been asked, "Of what practical value is the Public
Speaking Club to the business man?" My answer is because it teaches
him to think. There is no greater difficulty confronting the
business man to-day than that of finding men to fill positions where
initiative and original thought are necessary. The call comes from
the business world everywhere, "Give us men of ideas--men of
ability--men who have mastered the art of thinking for themselves."
Our schools and colleges are engaged in the task of storing the mind
with facts. This is a splendid work, but we need to go one step
farther, we must teach men how to apply and develop and use this
knowledge. It is not how much a man knows that makes him a
successful business man; it is what he thinks and does. Success is
not measured by the size of a man's hat. The educational problem of
the hour is not one of better schools and larger public libraries; it
is the practical development of the mind; it is the awakening of the
creative powers of thought, the birth of new ideas; it is training
men how to put these ideas into concrete form, how to present and
express them in such words and with such power that they shall carry
conviction to the hearts of their fellow men.