A LINCOLN STORY

Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 89, 14 April 1917, Page 16

A LINCOLN STORY

WHEN HE WAS YOUNG.

Major Merwin, founder of the American' Journal of Education, tells how Abraham Lincoln was "pi'eached at" by a local pastor. . We was. warned not to go to the meeting, but go he did. He sat in a rear seat, and probably his presence cast a depression over the meeting. . Cartwright '{the preacher) spoke powerfully along evangelistic lines, warning the unregenerate of their danger. Finally, he gave the invitation about as follows ; '

. "All who desire to lead a new life, to give their hearts to God, and go to heaven, will stand." '..■ A sprinkling of men, women, and children rose/" " After they were seated the preacher went on : ■ "All who do not wish to go,to hell will stand." ' ■

All the audience responded,, to this invitation with the exception of Lincoln. Whereupon everyone expected something-would happen; and it did.' ''Sit down," said the" preacher. "I observe," he continued when all was again still, "that many ' responded to the first invitation to give their hearts to God and go to heaven. And I further observe that all of you save one indicated that you did not desire to go to hell. The sole exception," continued the preacher, ' his. voice growing more impressive, ;>"is Mr. Lincoln, who did not respond to either invitation. May I enquire of you, Mr. Lincoln," said Cartwright, with great earnestness: and in a loud voice, "where you are going?" •. The tall form -of Lincoln rose to its full height, and he replied : "I came here as a respectful listener. I did not know that I was to be singled out by Brother Cartwright. I believe in treating religious matters with, due solemnity. I admit that the questions propounded by Brother Cartwright are; of great importance... I did. not feel called upon to answer as the rest of you did. Brother Cartwright asks me directly where lam going? I desire r to reply with equal directness : I am going to Congress." ■ v ■ The reply was so unexpected that it upset the meeting, and: Cartwright^ in his chagrin, soon dismissed. tTie meeting. Lincoln had turned the tables on his-ad-versariee. ■ .