REFLECTIONS.—VIEWS ON HOLDING OFFICE.—LETTERS.—CAPTAIN A. SLIDELL McKENZIE.—DEATH OF BROTHER, AND OF HON. J. MASON.
"Jan. 1, 1848.—In reviewing the scenes and the business of the past year, I have continued evidence of that mercy which a Father bestows on his children, and a louder call to yield more fully than I ever yet have done to the teachings he designs. Many things that seem dark, of which the reasons are not understood, will be made clear at the right time. It is manifest that my stewardship is not so far well done as to permit me to fold my arms and feel easy. No: my life is spared for more work. May its every day be marked by some token that shall meet Thine approval, when the final call shall come!"
(TO PRESIDENT HOPKINS.)
"Boston, March 9.
"This religious awakening among your college students is among the blessings that our Father vouchsafes to his servants who labor faithfully in their work; and I can see his hand as plainly in it as though it were thrust before my face as I write this sentence. Let us, then, bless his holy name, and thank him, as disciples and followers of Christ the Beloved; and urge upon these young men to come forward, as doves to their windows. If my life and my trusteeship have been in any manner instrumental in this good work in your college, it will be matter of grateful thanksgiving while I live. Mrs. L. and myself both felt our hearts drawn out to you as we read your letter; and we commend you, and the good work of guiding these interesting young Christians in the ways and the works that lead to that blessed home to which our loved ones have been called, and to which we hope to be welcomed. To his grace and guidance we commend all things touching this onward and upward movement. I have been under the smarting-rod a few days within the past fortnight. Severe pain took all my courage and light-heartedness out of me, and made me a sorry companion; and my friends, seeing me in my every-day dress, would hardly know me in this sombre garb. Again, dear friend, I bid you God-speed in the good work; and, at last, may you receive the 'Well done' promised to the faithful!"
In the presidential campaign of 1848, the Hon. Abbott Lawrence was made a prominent candidate of the Whig party for the Vice-Presidency; and, in the convention which assembled at Philadelphia in June, was voted for, and received but one vote short of that which would have secured the nomination. Mr. Fillmore, it will be recollected, was the successful candidate. During the canvass, a gentleman, editing a newspaper which strongly advocated the nomination of Taylor and Lawrence, addressed a very courteous letter to Mr. Amos Lawrence, asking for aid in supporting this movement, which he supposed he would of course be deeply interested in. The reply is given here, as an illustration of his views in regard to holding high political office:
"Dear Sir: In reply to yours, this moment handed me, I state that my income is so reduced, thus far, this year, that I am compelled to use prudence in the expenditure of money, and must therefore decline making the loan. If my vote would make my brother Vice-President, I would not give it, as I think it lowering his good name to accept office of any sort, by employing such means as are now needful to get votes. I hope 'Old Zack' will be President.
"Respectfully yours,
A. L."
To President Hopkins he writes, April 15:
"What should we do, if the Bible[13] were not the foundation of our system of self-government? and what will become of us, when we wilfully and wickedly cast it behind us? We have all more than common reason to pray, in the depths of our sins, God be merciful to us sinners. The efforts made to lessen respect for it, and confidence in it, will bring to its rescue multitudes who otherwise would not have learned how much they owe it. The 'Age of Reason,' fifty years ago, told, on the whole, in advancing truth, by bringing to its support the best minds of Christendom. I hope it may be so now. This is a theme for your head and heart and pen. No man in New England can make a deeper mark. What say ye? The Bible is our great charter, and does more than all others, written or unwritten."
"W. C. writes from N., asking me to loan him three thousand dollars to buy a farm, and to improve his health and mind; stating that he is a cripple, but wants to do something for the world."
"That man may last, but never lives,
Who much receives, but nothing gives,
Whom none can love, whom none can thank,
Creation's blot, creation's blank."
(TO PRESIDENT HOPKINS.)
"Boston, June 12, 1848
"My dear Friend: Only think what changes a few weeks have produced in Europe, and the probable effects upon this country. It seems now certain that vast numbers will emigrate here, rich and poor, from the continent and from England. The question for us is, How shall we treat them? It is certain that foreigners will come here. We have land enough for them, but have not the needful discipline to make them safe associates in maintaining our system of government. Virtue and intelligence are our platform; but the base passions of our country have been ministered to so abundantly by unscrupulous politicians, that our moral sense has been blunted; and these poor, ignorant foreigners are brought into use for selfish purposes, and the prospects for the future are appalling. Yet a ray of light has just broken in upon us by the nomination of General Taylor for President; and my belief is, he is the best man for the place who can be named, with any prospect of success. He is not a politician, but a plain, straight-forward, honest man, anxious to do his duty in all his relations. As to my brother's nomination for Vice-President, I am thankful they did not make it in convention: he is in a higher position before the country than he would be if chosen Vice-President. His course has been elevated and magnanimous in this matter; for he might, by his personal influence and efforts, have received the nomination.
"Additional.—It is now almost two, P. M., and I have but just returned from Mount Auburn. The visit has been deeply interesting, on many accounts, and has almost unfitted me to finish this letter. However, there is nothing in the visit but what ought to make me thankful that my treasures, though removed, are secured; and, if my poor efforts can bring me again into their society through the blessed Saviour, I ought not allow this gush of feeling to unman me."
A few days later, he writes to the same friend: