LINCOLN
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.