America has such a rich history! And this month we celebrate the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln. Of course, Illinois is truly the “land of Lincoln”. The last couple of years I have had the privilege of going to some Lincoln sites—including right here in Danville.
One of those sites is the Fithian House. According to the Vermilion County Museum website, on September 21, 1858, Lincoln made one of his last visits to Danville. He was campaigning for a U.S. Senate seat and had just completed four debates with Douglas. Lincoln arrived at Dr. Fithian’s home, and in his stocking feet, he gave an informal speech from the balcony.*
Also here in Danville, is the Lamon House. The Lamon house was buit in 1850. Joseph and Melissa (Beckwith) Lamon built the home. Joseph was the cousin of Ward Hill Lamon. Ward Hill Lamon was the law partner, and later body guard of Abraham Lincoln. This is an easy one for us to visit as it now sets across the street from our home here in Danville. And, as many of you know, our daughter volunteers during the summer for their open houses.
One other place we had the privilege of visiting in 2008 was the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. What a great memorial for one of our greatest presidents. The Memorial was officially dedicated by President William Howard Taft May 30, 1922. The Lincoln Memorial has 36 columns—one for each state during Lincoln’s day—25 in the Union; and 11 who had seceded from the Union. The view from the steps was incredible looking over the national mall—Washington Monument and the US Capitol all in view.
History is important to be studied. Sometimes history is portrayed as boring and meaningless. But there are so many lessons to learn from history. In fact, as the old saying goes, “those who do not know their history are bound to repeat it”.
The Bible, which is a historical book is meant to be studied. In fact, the events that have been recorded for us, have been preserved by God for us! In I Corinthians 10:6, Paul writes about the Old Testament: Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. I hope that we can learn the lessons of history and stay faithful to God.
*http://www.vermilioncountymuseum.org/history.htm
Sunday, February 01, 2009
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