In plain words
But the teachings she had given stayed in his heart for ever. His father married a second time. This is natural among foreigners. But his stepmother too cared for Lincoln with much love. She too would teach him, “My dear son! As your mother told you, live with self-confidence.” But little by little many hardships came his way. He thought of taking up some job. But, holding that relying on his own strength was better than working at a job, he went on in business. That business too he carried on in an entirely truthful way. In course of time his associates cheated him. Some people cannot bear to see goodness. They cannot endure to see others prosper. This has been going on from time without beginning. In the end Lincoln suffered a loss in his business. He fell into debt to others for some money.
What gift is greater than the gift of food! What God is there above mother and father! What truthful character is there beyond japa and tapas! What Dharma is higher than compassion! See, what gain is greater than the company of the good! What enmity is worse than anger! What disease is worse for men than debt! What death on earth is worse than ill fame! What wealth, at any time, is greater than a good name! What ornament surpasses remembrance!
That is why he sold the little machines he had and cleared that debt. Some of his friends, who recognised his truthful character, urged him to stand in the elections. They gave their word that they would give him the help he needed. On the strength of that trust Lincoln stood in the elections and won a sweeping victory. In course of time everyone came together and made him President. In those days the white people in America would make the black people their slaves and torment them terribly. Seeing this, Lincoln was deeply grieved. In the world all are equal. All are children of God. So, intending that such distinctions should not exist, once he had become President he put into force a law abolishing slavery.
Envy Is Like a Root Worm
In this world the clash of good and bad goes on and on. If anyone earns a good name and begins to rise, people, envious of them, keep inventing baseless suspicions. Envy is like a root worm. The root worm cannot be seen from outside; but once it has got in, even a tree bright with fruit and flowers must fall. In the same way, once envy has got in, a man's fall is certain. Some people keep their envy hidden within them and spread evil reports. We must not pay them the least heed. In our Bhārata, so many great souls have faced such a situation and won through to victory. No harm will ever come to those who hold fast to Satya and live with Prema. The body is bound to go some day! We must not take a crooked path to protect it. The body will go, but our Satya will stand for ever.