The jobs not only helped him financially, however; they helped Lincoln broaden his circle and gain a seat in the Illinois Statelegislature. From there, he became a lawyer and was elected to the United States Congress. Of course, you know the rest of the story… Lincoln remained true to his values and honed his gifts to become one of the most revered presidents in United States history. Lincoln’s administration abolished slavery and helped others to comprehend equality and to value education. Lincoln stands as an example of how paying off a small debt can ultimately benefit an entire society for many generations.