“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal”
You immediately recognize those words as the beginning of President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg address. Today is the 150th anniversary of that speech at the dedication of the soldier’s National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Ironically, Edward Everett, a well-known orator, was invited to be the main speaker. Lincoln was asked to follow him with just a few “appropriate remarks.” Everett spoke for two hours to the crowd of 15,000. Lincoln’s two minute speech, which was only 273 words, has become regarded as one of the most famous in American history. And Everett’s is largely forgotten!
Without dispute, Abraham Lincoln was one of our greatest Presidents. What is highly debated by historians is Lincoln’s relationship with God. Some says Lincoln was an unbeliever. Others affirm that he was a “deeply religious man” who daily sought God’s guidance.
When reading the many books about Lincoln and his speeches and letters, they are filled with references from the Bible and speak of his piety, his prayer life and his dependence on God’s guidance.
In his first inaugural address, March 4, 1861, Lincoln said, “ Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity, and a firm reliance on Him, who has never yet forsaken this favored land, are still competent to adjust, in the best way, all our present difficulty.”
In a letter to James Conkling, August 26, 1863, Lincoln wrote, “Let us diligently apply the means, never doubting that a just God, in his own good time, will give us the rightful result.”
In a speech on September 16, 1864, Lincoln affirmed,” In regard to this Great Book, I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good the Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man’s welfare, here and hereafter, are to be found portrayed in it.”
Lincoln’s Second Inaugural address is widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest speeches. Unlike Presidents in modern times, Lincoln did not have a “speech writer.” He would write the text himself, then ask a few close friends for their feedback. As President Lincoln reflects on the cessation of the Civil War, consider his numerous references to God, His will and the Bible.
“….Neither party expected for the war, the magnitude, or the duration, which it has already attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with, or even before, the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier triumph, a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God’s assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men’s faces; but let us judge not that we be not judged…. The prayers of both could not be answered; that of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes.”
“…Fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled up by the bondsman’s 250 years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another draw with the sword, as was said 3000 years ago, so still must it be said, ‘the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.”
“With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan–to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.” [March 4, 1865]
Today on this 150th anniversary of Gettysburg, I will remember Abraham Lincoln as a great President. A good man. A devout Believer in the providence of God. I pray for more leaders like Lincoln. More patriots and fewer politicians. And more men and women of faith who are unashamed to extol the Bible as God’s Word and to rely on God’s guidance.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
ThePreachersWord 
Enjoyed the article. I remember reading about this years ago, but it is always good to see such reminders. Many of our forbears believed in God and His promises, and the present generation of secular people try to hide the fact. This is shameful. God is turning this nations over to do as they please as seen in Rom.1:18-32. Yet, one day they will give account. God bless.
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Well said Ken…Thanks brother!
David Curry
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Well said! However, as one wise preacher told me recently, “I’m afraid God is giving us the political leaders we deserve (i.e., as a nation) rather than the leaders we need.”
As it says in Daniel 4:17): “This decision is by the decree of the watchers, And the sentence by the word of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men.”
Let us all strive to be the “salt of the earth” so God may prolong the life of our nation.
Thanks for all your good material!
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So true, Craig. Thanks for your thoughts and observations
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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Ken, I took the liberty to copy and send your article to several others, giving you full credit.
In a biography about President Lincoln, I read where Lincoln spoke of a fellow who had attempted to engage in a dirty political act, but that it blew up in the man’s face. Mr. Lincoln commented that the gentleman was hanged on “Haman’s noose.”
How many presidents would make such a comparison?
Thanks for your good article, Ken. Lincoln is my favorite historical character. Take care.
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Thanks, Larry! You’re always welcome to forward these posts to anyone you think would profit from them. God bless Ken
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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Thank you, thank you, Bro. Ken, for taking time to do such an excellent job on these blog entries! I found this both uplifting & informative! 🙂 have a JOYOUS day! in His love, Julie
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Thanks Julie! I appreciate it! Got a favor. Would you mind to forward either today’s or yesterday’sblog on people on your email list? I would like to give this as wide a circulation as possible. And maybe in the process pick some new readers! Thanks! Ken
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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sure, Bro. Ken…have already been forwarding almost everyday, to different fellow Christians, & non-Christians, alike, that I know will benefit from your blog entries! 🙂 in His love, Julie
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