“My son! This Bible is what I received from my own parents. I’ve read it many times, so it is now worn and old—but it is the greatest treasure in our family. I believe it is far better to give you this one book than to leave you a hundred acres of land. If you read this book and live by God’s word written in it, I would be happier than if you became the owner of a million acres.”
These were the words spoken by the mother of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, as she lay dying of illness when Lincoln was only thirteen years old. Her final words took deep root in young Lincoln’s heart, shaping his character and spirit throughout his life. In the end, they guided him to become the president who secured freedom and human rights for African Americans and successfully led the United States through its greatest trial.