MR. LINCOLN AND THE BIBLE BY Z. A. MUDGE (ADAPTED) A visitor in Washington once had an appointment to see Mr. Lincoln at five o'clock in the morning. The gentleman made a hasty toilet and presented himself at a quarter of five in the waiting-room of the President. He asked the usher if he could see Mr. Lincoln. ``No,'' he replied. ``But I have an engagement to meet him this morning,'' answered the visitor. ``At what hour?'' asked the usher. ``At five o'clock.'' ``Well, sir, he will see you at five.'' The visitor waited patiently, walking to and fro for a few minutes, when he heard a voice as if in grave conversation. ``Who is talking in the next room?'' he asked. ``It is the President, sir,'' said the usher, who then explained that it was Mr. Lincoln's custom to spend every morning from four to five reading the Scriptures, and praying. HIS SPRINGFIELD FAREWELL ADDRESS It was on the morning of February 11, 1861, that the President-elect, together with his family and a small party of friends, bade adieu to the city of Springfield, which, alas! he was never to see again. A large throng of Springfield citizens assembled at the railway station to see the departure, and before the train left Mr. Lincoln addressed them in the following words:-- ``MY FRIENDS: No one, not in my position, can appreciate the sadness I feel at this parting. To this people I owe all that I am. Here I have lived more than a quarter of a century; here my children were born, and here one of them lies buried. I know not how soon I shall see you again. A duty devolves upon me which is, perhaps, greater than that which has devolved upon any other man since the days of Washington. He never would have succeeded except by the aid of Divine Providence, upon which he at all times relied. I feel that I cannot succeed without the same Divine aid which sustained him, and on the same Almighty Being I place my reliance for support; and I hope you, my friends, will all pray that I may receive that Divine assistance, without which I cannot succeed, but with which success is certain. Again I bid you an affectionate farewell.''Prev Next All
Your email address is safe with us. View our Privacy policy.
![]() |
![]() |
|
|
The Complete Plays of Gilbert and Sullivan Sections: 50 What's this? Table of Contents |
Fiction Non Fiction Poetry Plays Sci Fi Philosophy Religion Biography |