| Because he is our ancient and old beyond years |
| | and yet was always boyish |
| Because he was plain-black simple |
| | and yet unspeakably elegant in phrase and thought |
| Because his sadness was inconsolable |
| | and his loneliness was desolate |
| | and yet his laughter fills us still |
| | and lives on in irony and humor. |
| Because he was our humble obedient servant |
| | and yet asks us continually for more than we can give. |
| Because he believed that slavery was an abomination |
| | and that each person was afforded dignity and honor |
| | and that God was in control of all of history |
| We give You the thanks for Abraham Lincoln this night |
| | an instrument of Your peace. |
| For Him who continuously and profoundly sought to do Your will |
| | who chose compassion over vindictiveness |
| | effective and faithful government service over patronage |
| | and privilege |
| | and tolerance for all people.
|
| "It breaks his heart that kings must murder still, |
| | That all his hours of travail here for [us] |
| | Seem yet in vain. And who will bring white peace |
| | That he may sleep upon his hill again?"1 |
| For the inconsolable man of Springfield |
| | may finally come here to rest |
| | We will continue to speak of his saintliness |
| | while bigotry and oppression and war abide |
| | and above all enjoy his spirit |
| | and the comfort his dear memory brings. |
| Feed us this night with Your grace |
| | and keep us with Your favor. |
| Amen. |
| Howard L. Milkman, Jr. Ph.D [End Page 7] |