A rather refreshing sight for this year of our Lord would be a
repetition of the office seeking the man as in “Saul’s” case,
where it was said, “They sought him (to make him king) but he
could not be found.”
It is said of Abraham Lincoln that, fully expecting, owing to
the meager success of the Union armies up to that time, that he
would fail of reelection as President, he resolutely set about
putting the governmental departments in order for his successor.
He took special pains that as little inconvenience as possible
(and detriment to the country’s interests) should be experienced
in the transfer of power. How differently he might have acted
but for his distinguishing patriotism! Washington once said: “It
is of little consequence that my closing days be embittered if
only the liberties of my country be conserved.” (Text.)
(2319)
=Patriotism, Early=--See LOYALTY.
=Patriotism, Emblem of=--See MEMORIALS OF PATRIOTISM.