,,abraham ,,l9coln3 ,,0 ,,he ,a ,,*ri/ian8 ,by ,john ,b4 ,remsburg ,i am n a ,*ri/ian4--,l9coln4 #ahic ,,to ,,! ,,fri5ds ,,( ,,abraham ,,l9coln ,,:o ,,h ,,_h ,,! ,,c\rage ,,to ,,affirm ,,! ,,true ,,& ,,d5y ,,! ,,false2 ,,& ,,to ,,! ,,fri5ds ,,( ,,tru? ,,:o ,,w ,,h ,,! ,,hone/y ,,to ,,reject ,,! ,,false ,,& ,,accept ,,! ,,true1 ,,?is ,,volume ,,is ,,inscrib$ ,,by ,,! ,,au?or4 ,,preface4 ,almo/ imm$iately aft] ! rema9s ( ,am]ica's mo/ illu/ri\s son 7 laid to re/ at ,spr+field1 "o ( 8 biograph]s put =w>d ! claim t he 0 a dev\t believ] 9 ,*ri/ianity4 ,! claim 0 promptly d5i$ by ! dead /atesman's fri5ds1 b only to be r5ew$ aga91 & aga9 d5i$4 ,& ?us = a qu>t] ( a c5tury ! "q ( ,abraham ,l9coln's religi\s belief has be5 toss$ l a battl$oor f side to side4 ,z a result ( ?is controv]sy1 ?\s&s h become int]e/$ 9 a subject t o!rwise might h excit$ b little int]e/4 ,?is is ! writ]'s apology = collect+ ! te/imony ( m ?an "o hundr$ witnesses1 & devot+ m ?an ?ree hundr$ pages to ! "q1 ,0 ,l9coln a ,*ri/ian8 ,ab\t few o!r m5 has s mu* be5 writt5 z ab\t ,abraham ,l9coln2 :ile no o!r ,am]ican's life has engag$ ! p5s ( s _m biograph]s4 ,a ?\s& volumes record 8 "n & ref] to 8 de$s4 ,9 a hundr$ ( ^! he is ! c5tral figure4 ,ne>ly a score ( elaborate biographies ( him h be5 writt54 ,z _m m books p]ta9+ :olly to 8 life1 8 m>tyrdom1 & 8 "* h be5 publi%$4 ,( ! _m works on ,l9coln :i* ! writ] has consult$ 9 ! prep>ation ( ?is volume1 ! foll[+ des]ve to be m5tion$3 ,nicolay & ,hay's ,life ( ,l9coln1 ,h]ndon & ,weik's ,life ( ,l9coln1 ,lamon's ,life ( ,l9coln1 ,holl&'s ,life ( ,l9coln1 ,arnold's ,life ( ,l9coln1 ,raymond's ,life ( ,l9coln1 ,/odd>d's ,life ( ,l9coln1 ,b>rett's ,life ( ,l9coln1 ,e-,day ,life ( ,l9coln1 ,arnold's ,l9coln & ,slav]y1 ,c>p5t]'s ,six ,mon?s at ! ,:ite ,h\se ) ,l9coln1 ,rem9isc5ces ( ,l9coln1 ,anecdotes ( ,l9coln1 ,l9colniana1 ,! ,presid5t's ,words1 ,! ,m>tyr's ,monum5t1 ,tribute ( ! ,nations to ,l9coln1 ,l9coln ,memorial & ,l9coln ,memorial ,album4 ,! te/imony conc]n+ ,l9coln's religi\s belief pres5t$ 9 ?is volume has be5 d]iv$ *iefly f ?ree s\rces4 #a4 ,a "p ( x has be5 ga!r$ f ! works above nam$4 ,9 a s+le volume is publi%$ = ! fir/ "t matt] :i* h]et(ore 0 only to be f\nd scatt]$ ?r\gh num]\s volumes1 "s ( !m inaccessible to ! g5]al read]4 #b4 ,a consid]able portion ( x has be5 glean$ f newspap]s & p]iodicals conta9+ /atem5ts br\ght out by ?is controv]sy1 _m ( :i* w\ld o!rwise soon be lo/ or =gott54 #c4 ,a v l>ge %>e ( x has be5 obta9$ by ! writ] f p]sonal fri5ds ( ,l9coln2 & :5 we realize h[ rapidly ^? :o liv$ & mov$ ) him are pass+ away--t erelong none ( !m w rema9 to te/ify--! importance ( ?is evid5ce c h>dly be ov]e/imat$4 ,! writ] believes t he has fully e/abli%$ ! negative ( ! proposition t =ms ! title ( 8 book4 ,he does n expect to sil5ce ! claims ( ! affirmative2 b he has furni%$ an ars5al ( facts :]eby ^! claims may be expos$ & refut$ z (t5 z made4 ,?is ef=t to prove t ,l9coln 0 n a ,*ri/ian w be condemn$ by _m z an attempt to fa/5 a /a9 ^u ?is great man's "*4 ,b ! demon/ration & p]petuation ( ?is fact w only add to 8 greatness4 ,x w %[ t he 0 9 advance ( 8 g5]ation4 ,! fame ( ,abraham ,l9coln belongs n to ?is age alone1 b w endure = all "t4 ,! popul> fai? is transi5t & mu/ p]i%4 ,x is unpopul> n[ to reject ,*ri/ianity1 b ! day is fa/ approa*+ :5 to accept its dogmas w be consid]$ an evid5ce ( human weakness4 ,to p]petuate ! claim t ,l9coln 0 a ,*ri/ian is to p]petuate an idea t 9 a future age w less5 ! lu/] ( 8 "n4 ,x w be urg$ by "s t ! int5t & purpose ( ?is "w is solely to promote ! int]e/s ( ,free?\ght4 ,b x is n4 ,! writ] advocates no cause t requires ! pre/ige ( a great "n to make x respectable4 ,! cause t requires ! indorsem5t ( ! great to su/a9 x is n wor?y to survive4 ,he has prosecut$ ?is inve/igation1 n 9 ! int]e/ ( any belief or cre$1 b 9 ! int]e/ ( tru?2 & tru? is c]ta9ly z high z any cre$1 ev5 if t cre$ be true4 ,9 prov+ ,l9coln a disbeliev] he does n presume to h prov$ ,*ri/ianity false1 or ,free?\ght true2 b he has %[n t "s ,*ri/ians are n hone/1 & t an hone/ man may be a ,free?9k]4 ,at*ison1 ,kan41 ,april1 #ahic4 ,,introduction4 ,0 ,abraham ,l9coln a ,*ri/ian8 ,_m confid5tly believe & e>ne/ly cont5d t he 02 o!rs z confid5tly believe & z e>ne/ly cont5d t he 0 n4 ,be=e attempt+ to answ] ?is "q1 let u def9e :at con/itutes a ,*ri/ian4 ,a ,*ri/ian is "o :o1 9 common ) ! adh]5ts ( ne>ly all ! religions ( mank9d1 believes1 #a4 ,9 ! exi/5ce ( a ,god2 #b4 ,9 ! immortality ( ! s\l4 ,z di/+ui%$ f ! adh]5ts ( o!r religions1 he believes1 #a4 ,t ! ,bible is a revelation f ,god to man2 #b4 ,t ,jesus ,*ri/ 0 ! miracul\sly begott5 son ( ,god4 ,he also believes 9 v>i\s o!r doctr9es peculi> to ,*ri/ianity1 ! *ief ( :i* are1 #a4 ,! fall ( man2 #b4 ,! atonem5t4 ,^? :o 9 nom9ally ,*ri/ian c\ntries reject ! dogmas ( ,*ri/ianity are d5om9at$ ,infidels1 ,free?9k]s1 ,lib]als1 ,rationali/s1 unbeliev]s1 disbeliev]s1 skeptics1 etc4 ,^! ,infidels1 or ,free?9k]s1 repres5t v>i\s phases ( belief1 among :i* are1 #a4 ,dei/s1 :o affirm ! exi/5ce ( a ,god & ! immortality ( ! s\l2 #b4 ,a!i/s1 :o d5y ! exi/5ce ( a ,god1 &1 g5]ally1 ! s\l's immortality2 #c4 ,agno/ics1 :o nei!r affirm nor d5y ^! doctr9es4 ,! foll[+ are ! religi\s views ,l9coln is said to h held z pres5t$ by ^? :o affirm t he 0 a ,*ri/ian3 #a4 ,he believ$ 9 ! exi/5ce ( a ,god1 & accept$ ! ,*ri/ian conception ( ?is ,be+4 #b4 ,he believ$ 9 ! immortality ( ! s\l1 & 9 ! ,*ri/ian doctr9e ( ! resurrection4 #c4 ,he believ$ t ! ,bible is a revelation f ,god--! only reveal$ w ( ,god4 #d4 ,he believ$ 9 ! div9ity ( ,*ri/--believ$ t ,*ri/ is ,god4 #e4 ,he believ$ 9 ! efficacy ( pray]1 & 0 accu/om$ to pray himself4 #f4 ,he believ$ 9 ! doctr9e ( exp]im5tal religion1 & _h exp]i5c$ a *ange ( he>t4 #g4 ,al?\gh he nev] unit$ ) any *ur*1 he 0 contemplat+ su* a /ep at ! "t ( 8 assass9ation4 #h4 ,! *ur* ) :i* he w\ld h unit$1 we are l$ to inf]1 0 ! ,presbyt]ian4 ,! foll[+ is a /atem5t ( ! !ological op9ions ( ,l9coln z und]/ood by ^? :o d5y t he 0 a ,*ri/ian3 #a4 ,9 reg>d to a ,supreme ,be+ he ent]ta9$ at times ,agno/ic & ev5 ,a!i/ic op9ions4 ,dur+ ! lat] ye>s ( 8 life1 h[ev]1 he pr(ess$ a sort ( ,dei/ic belief1 b he did n accept ! ,*ri/ian or an?ropomorphic conception ( a ,deity4 #b4 ,s f> z ! doctr9e ( immortality is conc]n$1 he 0 an ,agno/ic4 #c4 ,he did n believe 9 ! ,*ri/ian doctr9e ( ! inspiration ( ! ,scriptures4 ,he believ$ t ,burns & ,pa9e 7 z mu* inspir$ z ,david & ,paul4 #d4 ,he did n believe 9 ! doctr9e ( ,*ri/'s div9ity4 ,he affirm$ t ,jesus 0 ei!r ! son ( ,joseph & ,m>y1 or ! illegitimate son ( ,m>y4 #e4 ,he did n believe 9 ! doctr9e ( a special creation4 #f4 ,he believ$ 9 ! !ory ( ,evolution1 s f> z ?is !ory _h be5 develop$ 9 8 "t4 #g4 ,he did n believe 9 miracles & special provid5ces4 ,he believ$ t all ?+s are gov]n$ by immutable laws1 & t miracles & special provid5ces1 9 ! evangelical s5se ( ^! t]ms1 are impossible4 #h4 ,he reject$ ! doctr9e ( total1 or inh]5t depravity4 #i4 ,he repudiat$ ! doctr9e ( vic>i\s atonem5t4 #aj4 ,he condemn$ ! doctr9e ( =giv5ess = s94 #aa4 ,he oppos$ ! doctr9e ( future rew>ds & puni%m5ts4 #ab4 ,he d5i$ ! doctr9e ( ! fre$om ( ! w4 #ac4 ,he did n believe 9 ! efficacy ( pray] z und]/ood by or?odox ,*ri/ians4 #ad ,he indors$1 = ! mo/ "p1 ! criticisms ( ,?omas ,pa9e on ! ,bible & ,*ri/ianity1 & accept$1 to a great ext5t1 ! !ological & humanit>ian views ( ,!odore ,p>k]4 #ae4 ,he wrote a book 7:i* 0 suppress$7 aga9/ ! ,bible & ,*ri/ianity4 #af4 ,8 connection ) public affairs prev5t$ him f giv+ prom95ce to 8 religi\s op9ions dur+ ! lat] ye>s ( 8 life1 b 8 e>li] views conc]n+ ! uns\ndness ( ! ,*ri/ian sy/em ( religion nev] und]w5t any mat]ial *ange1 & he di$1 z he _h liv$1 an unbeliev]4 ,,abraham ,,l9coln3 ,,0 ,,he ,a ,,*ri/ian8 ,,*apt] ,i4 ,,*ri/ian ,,te/imony ,dr4 ,j4 ,g4 ,holl&--,hon4 ,newton ,bateman--,rev4 ,j4 ,a4 ,re$-- ,rev4 ,james ,smi?4 ,d4,d4--,n4 ,w4 ,edw>ds--,?omas ,lewis--,noah ,brooks--,rev4 ,byron ,sund]l&4 ,d4,d4--,rev4 ,dr4 ,m9]--,rev4 ,dr4 ,gurley--,hon4 ,i4 ,n4 ,arnold--,f4 ,b4 ,c>p5t]--,isaac ,hawley--,rev4 ,mr4 ,willets--,a ,pi\s ,nurse--,we/]n ,*ri/ian ,advocate--,an ,ill9ois ,cl]gyman--,rev4 ,j4 ,h4 ,b>r[s4 ,d ,d4-- ,rev4 ,francis ,v9ton1 ,d4,d4--,bi%op ,simpson4 ,9 confirmation ( ! claim t ,l9coln 0 a ,*ri/ian1 ! foll[+ evid5ce has be5 adduc$3 ,,dr4 ,j4 ,g4 ,,holl&4 ,presid5t ,l9coln di$ on ! #ae? ( ,april1 #ahfe4 ,9 ! same ye>1 ! ,life ( ,abraham ,l9coln1 writt5 by ,dr4 ,j4 ,g4 ,holl&1 appe>$4 ,9 ! fields ( poetry & fiction1 & z a magaz9e writ]1 ,dr4 ,holl& _h a*iev$ an enviable reputation4 ,8 ,life ( ,l9coln 0 writt5 9 8 usually ent]ta9+ /yle & secur$ a wide circulation4 ,he affirm$ t ,l9coln 0 a ,*ri/ian1 & by means ( ?is "w1 & ?r\gh ,scribn]'s ,magaz9e1 ( :i* he 0 = _m ye>s ! editor1 contribut$ m ?an any o!r p]son to r5d] a belief 9 ?is claim popul>4 ,ref]r+ to ,l9coln's adm9i/ration1 ,dr4 ,holl& says3 ,! p[] ( a true-he>t$ ,*ri/ian man1 9 p]fect sympa?y ) a true-he>t$ ,*ri/ian p1 0 ,mr4 ,l9coln's p[]4 ,op5 on "o side ( 8 nature to all desc5d+ influ5ces f him to :om he pray$1 & op5 on ! o!r to all asc5d+ influ5ces f ! p :om he s]v$1 he aim$ simply to d 8 duty to ,god & man4 ,act+ rightly he act$ greatly4 ,:ile he took c>e ( de$s fa%ion$ by a purely ideal /&>d1 ,god took c>e ( results4 ,mod]ate1 frank1 tru?ful1 g5tle1 =giv+1 lov+1 j1 ,mr4 ,l9coln w always be rememb]$ z em95tly a ,*ri/ian ,presid5t2 & ! almo/ immeasurably great results :i* he _h ! privilege ( a*iev+ 7 due to ! fact t he 0 a ,*ri/ian ,presid5t 7,life ( ,l9coln1 p4 #edb74 ,,hon4 ,,newton ,,bateman4 ,dr4 ,holl&'s claim re/s *iefly ^u a confession :i* ,l9coln is said to h made to ,newton ,bateman 9 #ahfj4 ,dur+ ! ,presid5tial campaign ,l9coln occupi$ ! ,executive ,*amb] at ! ,/ate ,h\se4 ,mr4 ,bateman 0 ,sup]9t5d5t ( ,public ,in/ruction at ! "t1 _h 8 (fice 9 ! same build+1 & 0 frequ5tly 9 ,l9coln's room4 ,! conv]sation 9 :i* ,l9coln is alleg$ to h express$ a belief 9 ,*ri/ianity is ?us relat$ 9 ,holl&'s ,life ( ,l9coln3 ,on "o ( ^! occasions ,mr4 ,l9coln took up a book conta9+ a c>eful canvass ( ! city ( ,spr+field 9 :i* he liv$1 %[+ ! c&idate = :om ea* citiz5 _h decl>$ x 8 int5tion to vote 9 ! approa*+ election4 ,mr4 ,l9coln's fri5ds _h1 d\btless at 8 own reque/1 plac$ ! result ( ! canvass 9 8 h&s4 ,?is 0 t[>d ! close ( ,octob]1 & only a few days be=e ! election4 ,call+ ,mr4 ,bateman to a seat at 8 side1 hav+ previ\sly lock$ all ! doors1 he said3 ',let u look ov] ?is book4 ,i wi% p>ticul>ly to see h[ ! m9i/]s ( ,spr+field are go+ to vote4' ,! leaves 7 turn$1 "o by "o1 & z ! names 7 exam9$ ,mr4 ,l9coln frequ5tly ask$ if ?is "o & t 7 n a m9i/]1 or an eld]1 or ! memb] ( su* or su* a *ur*1 & sadly express$ 8 surprise on receiv+ an affirmative answ]4 ,9 t mann] !y w5t ?r\gh ! book1 & !n he clos$ x & sat sil5tly & = "s m9utes reg>d+ a memor&um 9 p5cil :i* lay be=e him4 ,at l5g? he turn$ to ,mr4 ,bateman1 ) a face full ( sadness1 & said3 ',"h are tw5ty-?ree m9i/]s1 ( diff]5t d5om9ations1 & all ( !m are aga9/ me b ?ree2 & "h are a great _m prom95t memb]s ( ! *ur*es1 a v l>ge majority ( :om are aga9/ me4 ,mr4 ,bateman1 ,i am n a ,*ri/ian--,god kn[s ,i w\ld be "o--b ,i h c>efully read ! ,bible1 & ,i d n s und]/& ?is book2' & he drew f 8 bosom a pocket ,new ,te/am5t4 ',^! m5 well "k1' he cont9u$1 't ,i am = fre$om 9 ! t]ritories1 fre$om ev]y:]e z f> z ! ,con/itution & laws w p]mit1 & t my oppon5ts are = slav]y4 ,!y "k ?is1 & yet1 ) ?is book 9 _! h&s1 9 ! light ( :i* human bondage _c live a mom5t1 !y are go+ to vote aga9/ me4 ,i d n und]/& x at all4' ,"h ,mr4 ,l9coln paus$--paus$ = long m9utes--8 features sur*>g$ ) emotion4 ,!n he rose & walk$ up & d[n ! room 9 ! ef=t to reta9 or rega9 8 self-possession4 ,/opp+ at la/1 he said1 ) a trembl+ voice & 8 *eeks wet ) te>s3 ',i "k !re is a ,god1 & t he hates inju/ice & slav]y4 ,i see ! /orm com+1 & ,i "k t 8 h& is 9 x4 ,if he has a place = me--& ,i ?9k he has--,i believe ,i am ready4 ,i am no?+1 b tru? is ev]y?+4 ,i "k ,i am "r1 = ,*ri/ tea*es x1 & ,*ri/ is ,god4' ,! effect ( ?is conv]sation ^u ! m9d ( ,mr4 ,bateman1 a ,*ri/ian g5tleman :om ,mr4 ,l9coln pr(\ndly respect$1 0 to conv9ce him t ,mr4 ,l9coln _h1 9 8 quiet way1 f\nd a pa? to ! ,*ri/ian /&po9t--t he _h f\nd ,god1 & re/$ on ! et]nal tru? ( ,god4 ,z ! two m5 7 ab\t to sep>ate1 ,mr4 ,bateman rem>k$3 ',i h n suppos$ t y 7 accu/om$ to ?9k s mu* ^u ?is class ( subjects4 ,c]ta9ly y\r fri5ds g5]ally are ignorant ( ! s5tim5ts y h express$ to me4' ,he repli$ quickly3 ',i "k !y are4 ,i am oblig$ to appe> diff]5t to !m2 b ,i ?9k m ^u ^! subjects ?an ^u all o!rs1 & ,i h done s = ye>s2 & ,i am will+ t y %\ld "k x' 7,life ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #bcf-bci74 ,,rev4 ,j4 ,a4 ,,re$4 ,9 #ahgb1 sev5 ye>s aft] ! publication ( ,holl&'s "w1 ,lamon's ,life ( ,abraham ,l9coln 0 publi%$4 ,9 ?is "w ! /atem5ts ( ,holl& & ,bateman conc]n+ ,l9coln's religi\s belief are disput$1 & ! te/imony ( num]\s witnesses cit$ to prove t he liv$ & di$ a disbeliev]4 ,soon aft] ,lamon's book 0 publi%$1 ! ,rev4 ,j4 ,a4 ,re$1 a ,presbyt]ian cl]gyman1 ( ,spr+field1 ,ill41 deliv]$ a lecture 9 :i* he attempt$ to refute or modify ! evid5ce ( ,lamon's witnesses & prove t ,l9coln di$ a ,*ri/ian4 ,he admitt$ t ,l9coln 0 an ,infidel up to #ahdh1 & possibly z late z #ahfb1 b endeavor$ to %[ t previ\s to 8 dea? he *ang$ 8 views & became a ,*ri/ian4 ,! foll[+ extracts pres5t ! sali5t po9ts 9 8 disc\rse3 ,hav+ %[n :at claims ,mr4 ,lamon's book has to be+ ! 'only fair & reliable hi/ory' ( ,mr4 ,l9coln's life & views1 & ( :at 'tru/wor?y mat]ials' x is compos$1 ,i %all n[ give ! te/imony ,i h collect$ to e/abli% :at has ev] be5 ! public impression1 t ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 9 8 lat] life1 & at ! "t ( 8 dea?1 a firm believ] 9 ! tru? ( ! ,*ri/ian religion4 ,! ,infidelity ( 8 e>li] life is n s mu* to be wond]$ at1 :5 we consid] ! pov]ty ( 8 e>ly religi\s in/ruction & ! peculi> influ5ces by :i* he 0 surr\nd$4 ,x does n appe> t he _h ev] se51 mu* less read1 a "w on ! evid5ces ( ,*ri/ianity till 8 int]view ) ,rev4 ,dr4 ,smi? 9 #ahdh4 ,we he> ( him z read+ ,pa9e1 ,voltaire1 & ,!odore ,p>k]1 b no?+ on ! o!r side4 ,:ile x is to be regrett$ t ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 n sp>$ to indicate 8 religi\s s5tim5ts by a pr(ession ( 8 fai? 9 accordance ) ! in/itutions ( ! ,*ri/ian religion1 yet x is v cle> t he _h ?is /ep 9 view1 & 0 s]i\sly contemplat+ x1 z a s5se ( its fitness & an appreh5sion ( 8 duty grew ^u him4 ,9 support ( 8 claims1 ,dr4 ,re$ pres5ts ! te/imony ( ,rev4 ,dr4 ,smi?1 ,n9ian ,w4 ,edw>ds1 ,?omas ,lewis1 ,noah ,brooks1 ,rev4 ,dr4 ,sund]l&1 ,rev4 ,dr4 ,m9]1 & ,rev4 ,dr4 ,gurley4 ,,rev4 ,,james ,,smi?1 ,d4,d4 ,! ,rev4 ,james ,smi? 0 = _m ye>s pa/or ( ! ,fir/ ,presbyt]ian ,*ur* ( ,spr+field4 ,l9coln =m$ 8 acqua9tance soon aft] he locat$ !re1 rema9$ on fri5dly t]ms ) him1 & ) ,mrs4 ,l9coln frequ5tly att5d$ 8 *ur*4 ,dr4 ,smi? 0 "o ( ! ?ree ,spr+field cl]gym5 :o support$ ,l9coln = ,presid5t 9 #ahfj1 & 9 recognition ( 8 fri5d%ip & fidelity1 he receiv$ ! consul%ip at ,dundee4 ,dr4 ,re$ quotes f a lett] to ,w4 ,h4 ,h]ndon1 dat$ ,ea/ ,ca9no1 ,scotl&1 ,janu>y #bd1 #ahfg1 9 :i* ,dr4 ,smi? says3 ,x is a v easy matt] to prove t :ile ,i 0 pa/or ( ! ,fir/ ,presbyt]ian ,*ur* ( ,spr+field1 ,mr4 ,l9coln did av[ 8 belief 9 ! div9e au?ority & inspiration ( ! scriptures1 & ,i hold t x is a matt] ( ! la/ importance n only to ! pres5t1 b all future g5]ations ( ! great ,republic1 & to all advocates ( civil & religi\s lib]ty ?r\gh\t ! _w1 t ?is av[al on 8 "p1 & ! circum/ances att5d+ x1 toge!r ) v int]e/+ incid5ts illu/rative ( ! excell5ce ( 8 "*1 9 my possession1 %\ld be made kn[n to ! public4444 ,x 0 my honor to place be=e ,mr4 ,l9coln argum5ts design$ to prove ! div9e au?ority & inspiration ( ! scriptures accompani$ by ! argum5ts ( ,infidel objectors 9 _! own language4 ,to ! argum5ts on bo? sides ,mr4 ,l9coln gave a mo/ pati5t1 imp>tial1 & se>*+ inve/igation4 ,to use 8 own language1 he exam9$ ! argum5ts z a lawy] :o is anxi\s to rea* ! tru? inve/igates te/imony4 ,! result 0 ! ann\ncem5t by himself t ! argum5t 9 favor ( ! div9e au?ority & inspiration ( ! ,scriptures 0 unansw]able4 ,,hon4 ,,m9ian ,w4 ,,edw>ds4 ,n9ian ,w4 ,edw>ds1 a bro!r-9-law ( ,l9coln1 writes z foll[s3 ,spr+field1 ,dec4 #bd?1 #ahgb4 ,rev4 ,jas4 ,a4 ,re$3 ,de> ,sir-- ,a %ort "t aft] ! ,rev4 ,dr4 ,smi? became pa/or ( ! ,fir/ ,presbyt]ian *ur* 9 ?is city1 ,mr4 ,l9coln said to me1 ',i h be5 read+ a "w ( ,dr4 ,smi? on ! evid5ces ( ,*ri/ianity1 & h he>d him prea* & conv]se on ! subject1 & ,i am n[ conv9c$ ( ! tru? ( ! ,*ri/ian religion4' ,y\rs truly1 ,n4 ,w4 ,edw>ds4 ,,?omas ,,lewis4 ,9 corroboration ( ,mr4 ,edw>ds's /atem5t1 ,?omas ,lewis1 ( ,spr+field1 ,ill41 te/ifies z foll[s3 ,spr+field1 ,jan4 #f?1 #ahgc4 ,rev4 ,j4 ,a4 ,re$3 ,de> ,sir-- ,n long aft] ,dr4 ,smi? came to ,spr+field1 & ,i ?9k v ne> ! "t ( 8 son's dea?1 ,mr4 ,l9coln said to me1 t :5 on a visit some:]e1 he _h se5 & p>tially read a "w ( ,dr4 ,smi? on ! evid5ces ( ,*ri/ianity :i* _h l$ him to *ange 8 views ab\t ! ,*ri/ian religion2 t he w\ld l to get t "w to f9i% ! read+ ( x1 & also to make ! acqua9tance ( ,dr4 ,smi?4 ,i 0 an eld] 9 ,dr4 ,smi?'s *ur*1 & took ,dr4 ,smi? to ,mr4 ,l9coln's (fice & introduc$ him2 & ,dr4 ,smi? gave ,mr4 ,l9coln a copy ( 8 book1 z ,i "k1 at 8 own reque/4 ,y\rs etc41 ,?os4 ,lewis4 ,,noah ,,brooks4 ,noah ,brooks1 a newspap] correspond5t ( ,new ,york1 & ! au?or ( a biography ( ,l9coln1 gives ! foll[+ te/imony3 ,new ,york1 ,dec4 #ca1ahgb4 ,rev4 ,j4 ,a4 ,re$1 ,my ,de> ,sir3 ,9 addition to :at has appe>$ f my p51 ,i w /ate t ,i h _h _m conv]sations ) ,mr4 ,l9coln1 :i* 7 m or less ( a religi\s "*1 & :ile ,i nev] tri$ to draw any?+ l a /atem5t ( 8 views f him1 yet he freely express$ himself to me z hav+ 'a hope ( bless$ immortality ?r\gh ,jesus ,*ri/4' ,8 views seem$ to settle s naturally ar\nd t /atem5t1 t ,i consid]$ no o!r necess>y4 ,8 language seem$ n t ( an inquir]1 b ( "o :o _h a prior settl$ belief 9 ! fundam5tal doctr9es ( ! ,*ri/ian religion4 ,once or twice1 speak+ to me ( ! *ange :i* _h come ^u him1 he said1 :ile he c\ld n fix any def9ite "t1 yet x 0 aft] he came "h1 & ,i am v positive t 9 8 own m9d he id5tifi$ x ) ab\t ! "t ( ,willie's dea?4 ,he said1 too1 t aft] he w5t to ! ,:ite ,h\se he kept up ! habit ( daily pray]4 ,sometimes he said x 0 only t5 words1 b ^? t5 words he _h4 ,!re is no possible reason to suppose t ,mr4 ,l9coln w\ld ev] deceive me z to 8 religi\s s5tim5ts4 ,9 _m conv]sations ) him1 ,i absorb$ ! firm conviction t ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 at he>t a ,*ri/ian man1 believ$ 9 ! ,savior1 & 0 s]i\sly consid]+ ! /ep :i* w\ld =mally connect him ) ! visible *ur* on e>?4 ,c]ta9ly1 any sugge/ion z to ,mr4 ,l9coln's skepticism or ,infidelity1 to me :o knew him intimately f #ahfb till ! "t ( 8 dea?1 is a mon/r\s fiction--a %ock+ p]v]sion4 ,y\rs truly1 ,noah ,brooks4 ,,rev4 ,,byron ,,sund]l&1 ,d4,d4 ,mr4 ,re$ pres5ts a l5g?y lett] f ! ,rev4 ,byron ,sund]l&1 ( ,wa%+ton1 dat$ ,nov4 #ae1 #ahgb4 ,dr4 ,sund]l& 9 company ) a p>ty ( fri5ds visit$ ! ,presid5t 9 ! autumn ( #ahfb4 ,9 ?is lett] he says3 ,aft] "s conv]sation1 9 :i* he seem$ dispos$ to h 8 joke & fun1 he settl$ d[n to a s]i\s consid]ation ( ! subject be=e 8 m9d1 & = "o half-h\r p\r$ =? a volume ( ! deepe/ ,*ri/ian philosophy ,i ev] he>d4 ,,rev4 ,,dr4 ,,m9]4 ,! ,rev4 ,dr4 ,m9]1 :o met ,l9coln 9 ,wa%+ton1 says3 ,all t 0 said dur+ t memorable aft]noon ,i sp5t alone ) t great & good man is engrav5 too deeply on my memory ev] to be effac$4 ,i felt c]ta9 ( ?is fact1 t if ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 n really an exp]im5tal ,*ri/ian1 he 0 act+ l "o4 ,he 0 do+ 8 duty manfully1 & look+ to ,god = help 9 "t ( ne$2 &1 l ! immortal ,wa%+ton1 he believ$ 9 ! efficacy ( pray]1 & x 0 8 cu/om to read ! ,scriptures & pray himself4 ,,rev4 ,p4 ,d4 ,,gurley1 ,d4,d4 ,:ile 9 ,wa%+ton1 ,l9coln ) 8 family att5d$ ! ,presbyt]ian *ur* ( :i* ! ,rev4 ,dr4 ,gurley 0 pa/or4 ,mr4 ,re$ cites ! foll[+ z ! te/imony ( ,dr4 ,gurley 9 reg>d to ! alleg$ ,infidelity ( ,l9coln3 ,i d n believe a ^w ( x4 ,x c\ld n h be5 true ( him :ile "h1 = ,i h _h frequ5t & intimate conv]sations ) him on ! subject ( ! ,bible & ! ,*ri/ian religion1 :5 he c\ld h _h no motive to deceive me1 & ,i consid]$ him s\nd n only on ! tru? ( ! ,*ri/ian religion b on all its fundam5tal doctr9es & tea*+s4 ,& m ?an t1 9 ! latt] days ( 8 *a/5$ & we>y life1 aft] ! dea? ( 8 son ,willie1 & 8 visit to ! battlefield ( ,gettysburg1 he said1 ) te>s 9 8 eyes1 t he _h lo/ confid5ce 9 ev]y?+ b ,god1 & t he n[ believ$ 8 he>t 0 *ang$1 & t he lov$ ! ,savior &1 if he 0 n deceiv$ 9 himself1 x 0 8 int5tion soon to make a pr(ession ( religion4 ,,hon4 ,,isaac ,n4 ,,arnold4 ,"o ( ! mo/ ard5t fri5ds & admir]s ( ,abraham ,l9coln 0 ,isaac ,n4 ,arnold1 = sev]al ye>s a memb] ( ,congress f ,ill9ois4 ,mr4 ,arnold wrote a "w on ,l9coln & ,slav]y1 & a ,life ( ,l9coln :i* 0 publi%$ 9 #ahhe4 ,l9coln's religi\s views are ?us describ$ by ,mr4 ,arnold3 ,no m rev]5t ,*ri/ian ?an he ev] sat 9 ! ,executive *air1 n except+ ,wa%+ton4 ,he 0 by nature religi\s2 full ( religi\s s5tim5t4 ,! veil betwe5 him & ! sup]natural 0 v ?94 ,x is n claim$ t he 0 or?odox1 = cre$s & dogmas he c>$ little4 ,b 9 ! great fundam5tal pr9ciples ( religion1 ( ! ,*ri/ian2 religion1 he 0 a firm believ]4 ,belief 9 ! exi/5ce ( ,god1 9 ! immortality ( ! s\l1 9 ! ,bible z ! revelation ( ,god to man1 9 ! efficacy & duty ( pray]1 9 rev]5ce t[>d ! ,almighty1 & 9 love & *>ity to man1 0 ! basis ( 8 religion 7,life ( ,l9coln1 p4 #ddf74 ,8 reply to ! ,negroes ( ,baltimore :5 !y1 9 #ahfd1 pres5t$ him ) a magnific5t ,bible1 ought to sil5ce =ev] ^? :o *>ge him ) unbelief4 ,he said3 ',9 reg>d to ! ,great ,book ,i h only to say t x is ! be/ gift :i* ,god has giv5 to man4 ,all ! good f ! ,savior ( ! _w is communicat$ ?r\gh ?is book' 7,ibid41 p4 #ddg74 ,8 fai? 9 a ,div9e ,provid5ce began at 8 "m's knee1 & ran ?r\gh all ! *anges ( 8 life4 ,n or?odox1 n a man ( cre$s1 he 0 a man ( simple tru/ 9 ,god 7lb41 p4 #ddh74 ,f4 ,b4 ,,c>p5t]4 ,mr4 ,c>p5t]1 ! arti/1 9 8 popul> book1 entitl$ ,six ,mon?s 9 ! ,:ite ,h\se ) ,abraham ,l9coln1 uses ! foll[+ language3 ,i w\ld sc>cely h call$ ,mr4 ,l9coln a religi\s man--& yet ,i believe him to h be5 a s9c]e ,*ri/ian 7,six ,mon?s 9 ! ,:ite ,h\se1 p4 #ahe74 ,,isaac ,,hawley4 ,9 ! spr+ ( #ahhg1 9 go+ f ,spr+field to ,havana1 ,i met ,isaac ,hawley1 "o ( ! e>ly settl]s ( ,ill9ois1 & :o = ne>ly tw5ty ye>s resid$ )9 a few blocks ( ,l9coln 9 ,spr+field4 ,9 answ] to ! "q1 ,0 ,l9coln a ,*ri/ian8 ,mr4 ,hawley repli$3 ,i believe t ,l9coln 0 a ,*ri/ian1 & t he 0 ,god's *os5 in/rum5t to p]=m ! mighty "w he did4 ,,rev4 ,,mr4 ,,willets4 ,! ,rev4 ,mr4 ,willets1 ( ,brooklyn1 ,n4 ,y41 is cr$it$ ) ! foll[+ /atem5t conc]n+ ,l9coln's reput$ conv]sion4 ,! in=mation x conta9s 0 obta9$1 x is said1 f a lady ( ,mr4 ,willets's acqua9tance :o met ,l9coln 9 ,wa%+ton3 ,! ,presid5t1 x seem$1 _h be5 mu* impress$ ) ! devotion & e>ne/ness ( purpose manife/$ by ! lady1 & on "o occasion1 aft] %e _h dis*>g$ ! object ( h] visit1 he said to h]3 ,mrs4 --------1 ,i h =m$ a high op9ion ( y\r ,*ri/ian "*1 & n[1 z we are alone1 ,i h a m9d to ask y to give me1 9 brief1 y\r idea ( :at con/itutes a true religi\s exp]i5ce4 ,! lady repli$ at "s l5g?1 /at+ t1 9 h] judgm5t1 x consi/$ ( a conviction ( "o's own s9fulness & weakness1 & p]sonal ne$ ( a ,savior = /r5g? & support2 t views ( m]e doctr9e might & w\ld diff]1 b :5 "o 0 really br\ght to feel 8 ne$ ( div9e help1 & to seek ! aid ( ! ,holy ,_s = /r5g? & guidance1 x 0 satisfactory evid5ce ( 8 hav+ be5 born aga94 ,?is 0 ! sub/ance ( h] reply4 ,:5 %e _h conclud$1 ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 v ?\ghtful = a few mom5ts2 ,he at l5g? said1 v e>ne/ly1 ',if :at y h told me is really a correct view ( ?is great subject1 ,i ?9k ,i c say ) s9c]ity t ,i hope ,i am a ,*ri/ian' 7,anecdotes ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #aff1 #afg74 ,a ,,pi\s ,,nurse4 ,a pi\s lady1 :o s]v$ 9 ! capacity ( a hospital nurse at ,wa%+ton1 & :o sometimes visit$ ! ,:ite ,h\se1 te/ifies to ,l9coln's belief 9 ! efficacy ( pray]4 ,! incid5t n>rat$ occurr$ :ile a battle 0 9 progress4 ,! report says3 ,! possibility ( defeat depress$ him greatly2 b ! lady told him he mu/ tru/1 & t he c\ld at lea/ pray4 ',yes1' said he1 & tak+ up a ,bible1 he />t$ = 8 room4 ,c\ld all ! p ( ! nation h ov]he>d ! e>ne/ petition t w5t up f t inn] *amb] z x rea*$ ! e>s ( ! nurse1 !y w\ld h fall5 ^u _! knees ) te>ful & rev]5tial sympa?y 7,anecdotes ( ,l9coln1 p4 #abj74 ,,we/]n ,,*ri/ian ,,advocate4 ,soon aft] ! close ( ! w>1 ! ,we/]n ,*ris-tian ,advocate1 ! lead+ ,*ri/ian j\rnal ( ! ,we/1 publi%$ ! foll[+3 ,on ! day ( ! receipt ( ! capitulation ( ,lee1 z we le>n f a fri5d intimate ) ! late ,presid5t ,l9coln1 ! cab9et meet+ 0 held an h\r e>li] ?an usual4 ,nei!r ! ,presid5t nor any memb] 0 able1 = a "t1 to give utt]ance to 8 feel+s4 ,at ! sugge/ion ( ,mr4 ,l9coln all dropp$ on _! knees1 & (f]$ 9 sil5ce & 9 te>s _! humble & he>tfelt ackn[l$gm5t to ! ,almighty = ! triumph he _h grant$ to ! national cause4 ,! above is quot$ by ,raymond & o!r biograph]s ( ,l9coln4 ,,an ,,ill9ois ,,cl]gyman4 ,9 ! ,l9coln ,memorial ,album appe>s :at is report$ to be ,l9coln's ,reply to an ,ill9ois ,cl]gyman3 ,:5 ,i left ,spr+field ,i ask$ ! p to pray = me4 ,i 0 n a ,*ri/ian4 ,:5 ,i buri$ my son1 ! sev]e/ trial ( my life1 ,i 0 n a ,*ri/ian4 ,b :5 ,i w5t to ,gettysburg1 & saw ! graves ( ?\s&s ( our soldi]s1 ,i !n & !re consecrat$ myself to ,*ri/4 ,yes1 ,i d love ,jesus 7,l4 ,m4 ,a41 p4 #cff74 ,,rev4 ,,john ,n4 ,,b>r[s4 ,9 ! ,l9coln ,memorial ,album1 ,dr4 ,j4 ,h4 ,b>r[s contributes an article on ,! ,religi\s ,aspects ( ,abraham ,l9coln's ,c>e]1 f :i* ,i quote z foll[s3 ,9 ! anxi\s unc]ta9ties ( ! great w>1 he gradually rose to ! hights :]e ,jehovah became to him ! sublime/ ( realities1 ! rul] ( nations4 ,:5 he wrote 8 immortal ,proclamation1 he invok$ ^u x n only '! consid]ate judgm5t ( mank9d1' b '! graci\s favor ( ,almighty ,god4' ,:5 d>kness ga!r$ ov] ! brave armies fight+ = ! nation's life1 ?is /rong man 9 ! e>ly morn+ knelt & wre/l$ 9 pray] ) him :o holds 9 8 h& ! fate ( empires4 ,:5 ! cl\ds lift$ above ! c>nage ( ,gettysburg1 he gave 8 he>t to ! ,"l ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,:5 he pron\nc$ 8 mat*less oration on ! *ief battlefield ( ! w>1 he gave expression to ! resolve t '?is nation1 "u ,god1 %\ld h a new bir? ( fre$om4' ,& :5 he wrote 8 la/ ,inaugural ,address1 he gave to x ! l(ty religi\s tone ( an old ,hebrew psalm 7,l4 ,m4 ,a41 p4 #ejh74 ,,rev4 ,,francis ,,v9ton1 ,d4,d4 ,?is cl]gyman1 a resid5t ( ,new ,york1 & a /rang] to ,l9coln1 visit$ ! ,:ite ,h\se 9 #ahfb1 x is claim$1 & indulg$ 9 an argum5t & exhortation1 ! effect ( :i* 0 to conv]t ! ,presid5t to a belief 9 ! ,*ri/ian doctr9e ( ! resurrection & ! immortality ( ! s\l4 ,dur+ ! int]view1 ,l9coln1 x is report$1 fell ^u ! neck ( 8 cl]ical visitor & wept l a *ild4 ,be=e retir+1 ,dr4 ,v9ton said3 ,i h a s]mon ^u ?is subject :i* ,i ?9k might int]e/ y4 ,mr4 ,l9coln1 ! report cont9ues1 begg$ him to s5d x at an e>ly day1 ?ank+ him repeat$ly = 8 *e]+ & hopeful words4 ,! s]mon 0 s5t1 & read ov] & ov] by ! ,presid5t1 :o caus$ a copy to be made = 8 own private use be=e x 0 return$ 7,anecdotes ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #ajg1 #ajh74 ,,bi%op ,,simpson4 ,! mo/ em95t ,me?odi/ div9e ( t p]iod 0 ,bi%op ,simpson4 ,dur+ ! w> 8 comm&+ influ5ce & r>e eloqu5ce did mu* to secure = ! ,union cause ! unit$ support ( ,nor!rn ,me?odi/s4 ,l9coln appreciat$ ! s]vices ( ! di/+ui%$ div9e1 & !y became w>m fri5ds4 ,:5 ! rema9s ( ! ,presid5t 7 convey$ to _! f9al re/+-place at ,spr+field1 ,bi%op ,simpson 0 select$ to deliv] ! fun]al oration4 ,allud+ to ! religi\s phase ( ,l9coln's "*1 he spoke z foll[s3 ,z a rul]1 ,i d\bt if any ,presid5t has ev] %[n su* tru/ 9 ,god1 or 9 public docum5ts s frequ5tly ref]r$ to div9e aid4 ,(t5 did he rem>k to fri5ds & to delegations t 8 hope = our success re/$ 9 8 conviction t ,god w\ld bless our ef=ts because we 7 try+ to d "r 7,l9coln & ,slav]y1 p4 #fgc74 ,,*apt] ,,ii4 ,,review ,,( ,,*ri/ian ,,te/imony--,,holl& ,,& ,,bateman4 ,"* ( ,holl&'s ,life ( ,l9coln--,! ,bateman ,int]view--,inconsi/5cy & untru?fulness ( its /atem5ts--,holl&'s ,subsequ5t ,modification & ,f9al ,ab&onm5t ( 8 orig9al ,claims4 ,9 ! prec$+ *apt] has be5 pres5t$ ! ,*ri/ian side ( ?is "q4 ,x has be5 pres5t$ fully & fairly4 ,ev5 ! ,*ri/ian claimant mu/ admit t x is ! longe/ & mo/ complete array ( te/imony t has yet be5 publi%$ 9 support ( 8 claim4 ,?is evid5ce is explicit & app>5tly conclusive4 ,to attempt its refutation may seem presumptu\s4 ,& yet1 9 ! face ( all ?is evid5ce1 ! writ] does n hesitate to decl>e t ,abraham ,l9coln 0 n a ,*ri/ian1 & pl$ge himself to refute ! /atem5ts ( ^! witnesses by a volume ( te/imony t is irresi/ible & ov]:elm+4 ,be=e introduc+ ?is te/imony ! evid5ce already adduc$ w be review$4 ,?is evid5ce may prop]ly be gr\p$ into ?ree divisions3 #a4 ,! te/imony ( ,holl& & ,bateman2 #b4 ,! te/imony ( ,re$ & 8 witnesses2 #c4 ,! te/imony ( ,arnold & ! miscellane\s evid5ce rema9+4 ,holl&'s ,life ( ,l9coln1 f a lit]>y po9t ( view1 is a "w ( m ?an ord9>y m]it4 ,x possesses a beauty ( diction & an intellectual vigor seldom surpass$2 b z an au?ority x is unreliable4 ,l ,weems's ,life ( ,wa%+ton1 x is simply a biographical romance f\nd$ ^u fact1 b pay+ little reg>d to facts 9 pres5t+ ! details4 ,foll[+ ! natural b5t ( ,*ri/ian biograph]s1 ,holl& p>ades ! subject ( 8 "w z a model ( ,*ri/ian piety4 ,he knew t ?is 0 false2 =1 :ile he 0 unacqua9t$ ) ,l9coln1 he _h be5 appris$ ( 8 unbelief--_h be5 repeat$ly told ( x be=e he wrote 8 biography4 ,b ?is did n det] him f ass]t+ ! contr>y4 ,he knew t if he /at$ ! facts ! cl]gy w\ld condemn 8 book4 ,!y ne$$ ! influ5ce ( ,l9coln's great "n to support _! crumbl+ cre$1 & w\ld h x at any sacrifice1 p>ticul>ly :5 its possession requir$ no great] sacrifice ?an tru?4 ,holl& 0 equal to ! em]g5cy4 ,:5 "o ( ,l9coln's fri5ds 9 ,spr+field sugge/$ t ! less said ab\t 8 religi\s views ! bett]1 he promptly repli$3 ,oh1 nev] m9d2 ,i'll fix t4 ,& he did4 ,) dramatic embelli%m5ts1 he pres5t$ to ! delight ( ! or?odox _w ! n[ fam\s1 or r infam\s1 ,bateman int]view4 ,! publication ( ?is /ory produc$ a pr(\nd s5sation among ! p]sonal fri5ds ( ! dead ,presid5t4 ,x reveal$ to !m ! unpleasant fact1 assum+ ,holl&'s acc\nt to be correct1 ei!r t ,newton ,bateman1 :o _h hi!rto borne ! reputation ( be+ a man ( v]acity1 0 an unscrupul\s li>1 or t ,abraham ,l9coln1 ^: reputation = hone/y & c&or1 long ant]ior to #ahfj1 _h become prov]bial1 0 a consummate hypocrite2 & loa? z !y 7 to believe ! =m]1 !y reject$ ) disda9 ! latt]4 ,ref]r+ to ?is /ory1 ,lamon1 9 8 ,life ( ,l9coln1 says3 ,!re is no deal+ ) ,mr4 ,bateman except by a flat contradiction4 ,p]haps 8 memory 0 trea*]\s or 8 imag9ation l$ him a/ray1 or1 p]adv5ture1 he ?\ght a fraud no h>m if x gratifi$ ! /rong desire ( ! public = pro(s ( ,mr4 ,l9coln's or?odoxy 7,life ( ,l9coln1 p4 #eja74 ,:ile ,bateman und\bt$ly misrepres5t$ ,l9coln 9 8 acc\nt ( _! conv]sation--= x is n d5i$ t he _h an int]view ) ,l9coln--x is q probable t he did n to ! ext5t repres5t$ by ,holl&4 ,bateman d\btless exagg]at$ ! affair1 & ,holl& magnifi$ ,bateman's report ( x4 ,9 an article orig9ally publi%$ 9 ! ,index1 & subsequ5tly quot$ by ,lamon1 ,l9coln's law p>tn]1 ,mr4 ,h]ndon1 says3 ,i d\bt :e!r ,mr4 ,bateman said 9 full :at is record$ !re4 ,i d\bt a great deal ( x4 ,i "k ! :ole /ory is untrue--untrue 9 sub/ance1 untrue 9 fact & _s4 ,z soon z ! ,holl&'s ',life ( ,l9coln' 0 out1 on read+ t "p "h ref]r$ to1 ,i in/antly s\ght ,mr4 ,bateman & f\nd him 9 8 (fice4 ,i spoke to him politely & k9dly1 & he spoke to me 9 ! same mann]4 ,i said sub/antially to him t ,mr4 ,holl&1 9 ord] to make ,mr4 ,l9coln a te*nical ,*ri/ian1 made him a hypocrite2 & s 8 ',life ( ,l9coln' q pla9ly says4 ,i lov$ ,mr4 ,l9coln1 & 0 mortifi$1 if n angry1 to see him made a hypocrite4 ,i _c n[ detail :at ,mr4 ,bateman said1 z x 0 a private conv]sation1 & ,i am =bidd5 to make use ( x 9 public4 ,if "s good g5tleman c only get ! seal ( secrecy remov$ ,i c %[ :at 0 said & done4 ,on my ^w1 ! _w may take x = grant$ t ,holl& is wrong--t he does n /ate ,mr4 ,l9coln's views correctly 7,lamon's ,life ( ,l9coln1 p4 #dif74 ,9 a lecture on ,l9coln's ,religion1 deliv]$ 9 ,spr+field 9 #ahgd1 allud+ to ! same subject1 ,mr4 ,h]ndon says3 ,my notes ( our conv]sation be> date ,decemb] #c1 #ab1 & #bh1 #ahfe4 ,our conv]sations 7 private1 ,i suppose4 ,h[ev]1 ,i c say ?is mu*3 t ,mr4 ,bateman expressly told me ,mr4 ,l9coln 01 9 ! conv]sation relat$ 9 ,holl&1 talk+ politics & n religion1 nor ,*ri/ianity1 nor morals1 z su*4 ,i h p]si/5tly dogg$ ,mr4 ,bateman = ! privilege ( publi%+ my notes1 or to give me a lett] expla9+ :at ,mr4 ,l9coln did say1 s t ,i might make kn[n ! facts ( ! case4 ,mr4 ,bateman has z /\tly refus$4 ,dr4 ,bateman f9ally p]mitt$ ,mr4 ,h]ndon to make public a lett]1 m>k$ confid5tial1 :i* he _h writt5 ,mr4 ,h]ndon 9 #ahfg4 ,9 ?is lett] ,bateman says3 ,he ,l9coln 0 apply+ ! pr9ciples ( moral & religi\s tru? to ! duties ( ! h\r1 ! condition ( ! c\ntry1 & ! conduct ( public m5--m9i/]s ( ! gospel4 ,i _h no ?\ght ( or?odoxy or het]odoxy1 ,unit>ianism1 ,tr9it>ianism1 or any o!r ism1 dur+ ! :ole conv]sation1 & ,i don't suppose or believe he _h4 ,_h ,l9coln made ! confession he is report$ to h made1 ?is w\ld h sugge/$ to ,mr4 ,bateman ! idea ( 8 admitt$ or?odoxy z well z 8 reput$ het]odoxy4 ,_h ,l9coln decl>$ t ,*ri/ is ,god1 ?is w\ld h sugge/$ to him ! idea ( ,tr9it>ianism4 ,x w be se51 ev5 f ?is lett]1 t in/ead ( talk+ !ology & pr(ess+ a belief 9 ,*ri/ianity1 he 0 talk+ politics & d5\nc+ ! intol]ance & bigotry ( ,*ri/ian m9i/]s4 ,dr4 ,bateman privately ass]ts t he 0 n correctly report$1 t ,holl&'s v]sion ( ! int]view is color$4 ,x is to be regrett$ t he _h n ! c\rage to /ate ?is fact to ! public1 & 8 plea1 ,my av]sion to publicity 9 su* matt]s is int5se1 is a poor apology = refus+ to d s4 ,z previ\sly intimat$1 ?is /ory is probably f\nd$ on fact & has an elem5t ( tru? 9 x4 ,l9coln & ,bateman _h a political int]view1 & ! object ( ?is int]view 0 ! exam9ation & discussion ( ! li/ ( ,spr+field vot]s4 ,?is li/ reveal$ ! fact t tw5ty out ( tw5ty-?ree cl]gym5 & a v l>ge majority ( ! *ur*-memb]s ( ,spr+field 7 oppos$ to ,l9coln4 ,! significance ( ?is fact ,dr4 ,holl& & ,dr4 ,bateman h app>5tly ov]look$4 ,:y 0 ! *ur* oppos$ to him8 ,x mu/ h be5 ei!r because x 0 oppos$ to ! ,republican p>ty1 or because he 0 p]sonally objectionable to ! memb]s ( t p>ty4 ,8 political pr9ciples 7 ! pr9ciples ( 8 p>ty1 8 ability 0 conc$$1 & 8 moral "* 0 above reproa*4 ,x is fair to assume t ! political s5tim5t ( ! ,*ri/ians ( ,spr+field 0 sub/antially ! political s5tim5t ( ,nor!rn ,*ri/ians g5]ally4 ,n[1 0 ! ,nor!rn ,*ur* ov]:elm+ly 9 favor ( ! ext5sion ( slav]y8 ,7 eighty-sev5 p] c5t1 ( ,nor!rn ,*ri/ians ,democrats8 ,or did ! ,*ri/ians ( ,spr+field oppose ,l9coln because he 0 an ,infidel8 ,holl& makes ,bateman affirm t ,l9coln drew f 8 bosom a pocket ,new ,te/am5t4 ,x is g5]ally believ$ by ,l9coln's fri5ds t he did n h a ,new ,te/am5t1 t ! only book us$ 9 ! int]view 0 ! book conta9+ ! li/ ( ,spr+field vot]s4 ,"o ( !m says3 ,! idea t ,mr4 ,l9coln c>ri$ ! ,new ,te/am5t or ,bible 9 8 bosom or boots1 to draw on 8 oppon5ts 9 debate1 is ridicul\s4 ,x is possible1 h[ev]1 t !re 0 a ,new ,te/am5t 9 ! room1 & t ,l9coln us$ x to en=ce an argum5t4 ,inde$1 !re is int]nal evid5ce 9 ! /ory1 aside f ! decl>ation ( ,bateman1 t su* 0 ! case4 ,! c5tral idea 9 8 political cre$--! keynote ( 8 campaigns1 bo? 9 #aheh & 9 #ahfj--0 conta9$ 9 t memorable passage1 ',a h\se divid$ aga9/ itself _c /&4' ,?is gov]nm5t c n endure p]man5tly half slave & half free4 ,! figure quot$ 0 a famili> & p[]ful "o1 & ,l9coln recogniz$ its =ce 9 deal+ ) ! masses4 ,x 0 tak5 f ! ,new ,te/am5t1 & f ! words ( ,*ri/ himself4 ,t he %\ld use x aga9/ ^? ,*ri/ians :o 7 act+ contr>y to ?is well-kn[n tru?1 is n /range4 ,imm$iately aft] ! decl>ation1 ,*ri/ is ,god1 he is report$ z say+3 ,i h told !m t a h\se divid$ aga9/ itself _c /&1 & ,*ri/ & reason say ! same4 ,?is furni%es a solution to ! :ole /ory4 ,?is %[s :at he 0 do+ ) a ,new ,te/am5t4 ,9 connection ) ?is1 no?+ is m natural ?an t he %\ld exclaim3 ,*ri/ tea*es x1 & ,*ri/ is _! ,god6 ,t he 0 t]ribly 9 e>ne/1 t he 0 deeply agitat$ & pa9$ to le>n t 8 ,*ri/ian neighbors 7 oppos$ to him1 is n improbable4 ,?us ! incid5ts ( a simple political int]view t 7 natural & reasonable h be5 p]v]t$ to make x appe> t he 0 a ,*ri/ian4 ,a m]e ref]5ce to ! ,new ,te/am5t & ,*ri/ h be5 twi/$ into an ackn[l$gm5t ( _! div9ity4 ,bateman himself admits t ,l9coln said3 ,i am n a ,*ri/ian4 ,:y n accept 8 /atem5t1 !n8 ,:y !n di/ort 8 words & 9 ! face ( ?is positive decl>ation attempt to prove t he 0 a ,*ri/ian8 ,bateman reports him z modify+ ! /atem5t by add+3 ,god kn[s ,i w\ld be "o4 ,yes1 ,god kn[s ,i w\ld be "o 7 ,i conv9c$ t ,*ri/ianity is true1 b n conv9c$ ( its tru?1 ,i am an unbeliev]4 ,l9coln is also report$ to h said t 9 ! light ( ! ,new ,te/am5t human bondage c n live a mom5t4 ,b he did n utt] ^! words4 ,he did n utt] !m because !y are untrue1 & none knew ?is bett] ?an himself4 ,he knew t 9 ! light ( ?is book human bondage _h liv$ = ne>ly two ?\s& ye>s2 he knew t ?is book 0 "o ( ! great bulw>ks ( human slav]y2 he knew t !re 0 n to be f\nd betwe5 its lids a s+le text condemn+ slav]y1 :ile !re 7 to he f\nd a score ( texts su/a9+ x2 he knew t t infam\s law1 ! ,fugitive ,slave law1 receiv$ its w>rant f ?is book--t ,paul1 9 ! light ( its e>lie/ tea*+s1 _h return$ a fugitive slave to 8 ma/]4 ,9 ?is /ory ,l9coln is *>g$ ) ! grosse/ hypocrisy4 ,he is decl>$ to h pr(ess$ a belief 9 ,*ri/ & ,*ri/ianity1 & :5 ,bateman obs]v$ t 8 fri5ds 7 ignorant ( ?is1 he is made to reply3 ,i "k !y are4 ,i am oblig$ to appe> diff]5t to !m4 ,n[1 to use ,l9coln's own words1 ,a sane p]son c no m act )\t a motive ?an c !re be an effect )\t a cause1 & :at possible motive c\ld he h _h = su* conduct8 ,suppos+ t he 0 base en\gh to be a hypocrite1 :at c\ld induce him to lead ! _w to suppose he 0 an ,infidel if he 7 n8 ,9 ! eyes ( ! m ignorant & bigot$ class ( ,*ri/ians1 ,infidelity is a m he9\s crime ?an murd]1 & an ,infidel is a creature sc>cely to be tol]at$1 mu* less to be intru/$ ) a public (fice4 ,free?9k]s g5]ally dete/ ! dogmas ( ,*ri/ianity z ?or\ghly z ,*ri/ians possibly c ! pr9ciples ( ,free?\ght4 ,b free ?\ght & free spee* are ! lead+ t5ets ( _! cre$4 ,!y recognize ! fact t we are all ! *ildr5 ( circum/ances1 t our belief is det]m9$ by our environm5ts1 & :ile !y reject ,*ri/ianity1 !y h no?+ b *>ity = ^? :o consci5ti\sly pr(ess x4 ,!y may repudiate a bigot1 b w n oppose a man m]ely because he is a ,*ri/ian4 ,if ,l9coln 7 an ,infidel1 discretion might urge a concealm5t ( 8 views2 if he 7 a ,*ri/ian1 policy w\ld prompt him to give x z wide a publicity z possible1 especially :5 he re/$ "u ! imputation ( be+ a disbeliev]4 ,_h he *ang$ 8 belief & become a conv]t to ,*ri/ianity1 a k ( ! fact w\ld n h lo/ him ! support ( 8 fri5ds1 ev5 ?\gh "s ( !m 7 ,free?9k]s2 :ile x w\ld h secur$ = him a m cordial support f ! ,republican side ( ! *ur*1 _m ( :om _h be5 ali5at$ on acc\nt ( 8 suppos$ anti-,*ri/ian s5tim5ts4 ,x is h>d to believe t ,l9coln 0 a hypocrite2 b ?is /ory1 if true1 makes him n only a hypocrite b a fool4 ,if he believ$ 9 ,*ri/ianity !re c be b "o reason advanc$ = 8 desir+ to keep x a secret--he 0 a%am$ ( x4 ,holl&1 9 try+ to expla9 away ! inconsi/5cies ( ?is fabrication1 repeat$ly blund]s4 ,9 "o ( 8 attempts he makes use ( ! foll[+ rem>kable language3 ,x 0 "o ( ! peculi>ities ( ,mr4 ,l9coln to hide ^! religi\s exp]i5ces f ! eyes ( ! _w4444 ,!y 8 fri5ds did n reg>d him z a religi\s man4 ,!y _h nev] se5 any?+ b ! active lawy]1 ! ke5 politician1 ! jovial1 fun-lov+ companion 9 ,mr4 ,l9coln4 ,all ?is dep>tm5t ( 8 life he _h kept c>efully hidd5 f !m4 ,:y he %\ld say t he 0 oblig$ to appe> diff]5tly to o!rs does n appe>2 b ! fact is a matt] ( hi/ory t he nev] expos$ 8 own religi\s life to ^? :o _h no sympa?y ) x4 ,x is d\btful :e!r ! cl]gym5 ( ,spr+field knew any?+ ( ^! exp]i5ces 7,life ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #bci1 #bdj74 ,:at6 _h ! cl]gym5 ( ,spr+field no sympa?y ) a religi\s life8 ,a p]son c utt] "o falsehood ) "s degree ( plausibility2 b :5 he attempts to v]ify x by utt]+ ano!r1 he usually trips & falls4 ,! above passage is m]e hypocritical cant4 ,x c>ries ) x n only its own refutation1 b t ( ! re/ ( ,holl&'s te/imony also4 ,x is ! language ( ! man :o is consci\s ( hav+ /at$ a falsehood2 consci\s t !re are o!rs :o believe x to be a falsehood4 ,he knew t ! p]sonal fri5ds ( ,l9coln all und]/ood him to be a disbeliev]4 ,he knew t ! *ur*-memb]s ( ,spr+field all ent]ta9$ ! same op9ion4 ,he virtually says to ^! p3 ,x is true t ,l9coln pr(ess$ to be an ,infidel1 b he 0 n2 he 0 a ,*ri/ian4 ,! fact has be5 kept a pr(\nd secret4 ,bateman & ,i h be5 ! sole cu/odians ( ?is secret1 & we n[ give x to ! _w4 ,a ,*ri/ian writ]1 apologiz+ = ! absurd & contradictory /atem5ts ( ,holl& & ,bateman1 says1 ,!y aim$ at ! tru?4 ,i d n believe x4 ,x is cle>ly evid5t t !y aim$ at a plausible lie4 ,b 9 ei!r case !y made a bad %ot4 ,9 8 ,life ( ,l9coln1 ,holl& endeavors to convey ! impression t ,l9coln 0 always a dev\t ,*ri/ian4 ,he decl>es t ev5 dur+ ! ye>s ( 8 e>ly manhood at ,new ,salem1 he 0 a religi\s man2 t he _h a deep religi\s life4 ,:5 ,h]ndon & ,lamon expos$ 8 %ameful misrepres5tations he retreat$ f 8 fir/ position1 & 9 ,scribn]'s ,mon?ly wrote z foll[s3 ,:at ,abraham ,l9coln 0 :5 he liv$ at ,new ,salem & wrote an anti-,*ri/ian tract 7:i* ! fri5d to :om he %[$ x some:at viol5tly b mo/ judici\sly put 9 ! fire7 is "o ?+1 & x may be necess>y = an imp>tial hi/orian to record x4 ,:at he 0 :5 he di$ at ,wa%+ton ) ^? mo/ ,*ri/ian words ( ! ,second ,inaugural ^u 8 lips1 & t mo/ ,*ri/ian record ( five ye>s ( pati5t t5d]ness & *>ity beh9d him1 is q ano!r ?+4 ,he admits t ,l9coln 0 an ,infidel 9 ,ill9ois1 b w\ld h u believe t he 0 a ,*ri/ian 9 ,wa%+ton4 ,he ref]s to ^? mo/ ,*ri/ian words ( ! ,second ,inaugural1 & t mo/ ,*ri/ian record ( five ye>s ( pati5t t5d]ness & *>ity4 ,9 ! ,second ,inaugural !re is n a ^w affirm+ a belief 9 ,*ri/ianity--n a ^w 9 ref]5ce to ,*ri/ianity4 ,he m5tions ,god1 & quotes f ! ,bible1 b does n intimate t ! ,bible is ,god's ^w4 ,t ,*ri/ians h a monopoly ( pati5t t5d]ness & *>ity1 c h>dly be accept$4 ,! hi/ory ( ! *ur* does n confirm ?is assumption4 ,_m ,*ri/ians h possess$ ^! virtues4 ,s h ! vot>ies ( o!r religions4 ,^! attributes belong to good m5 ev]y:]e1 b !y are ! di/+ui%+ features ( no p>ticul> cre$4 ,sm>t+ "u 8 exposure1 ) t :9+ cant s peculi> to ! vanqui%$ religioni/1 ,holl& f9ally s5t =? ?is p>t+ wail & virtually ab&on$ ! :ole case3 ,! "q is1 n :e!r ,abraham ,l9coln 0 a subscrib] to ! cre$s ( or?odoxy1 b :e!r he 0 a believ+--t is to say1 a tru?ful ,*ri/ian man2 n :e!r he 0 accu/om$ to call ,jesus ,*ri/ ',"l1 ,"l1' b :e!r he 0 us$ to d ^? ?+s :i* ,jesus ,*ri/ exemplifi$ & en=c$4 ,he 0 accu/om$1 z we "k well en\gh1 to speak ( an ,almighty ,fa!r1 ( :om ju/ice & m]cy & sympa?y ) weak & suff]+ humanity 7 *>act]i/ic attributes4 ,:o 0 x t reveal$ to man a ,god l ?is8 ,:o 0 x t once '%[$ u ! ,fa!r & x suffic$ u8' ,:oev] x 0 t made ?is revelation to mank9d x 0 ( him t ?is man1 ev5 ?\gh he knew x n1 _h le>n$1 & x 0 9 8 _s t he act$ 7,scribn]'s ,mon?ly74 ,! conclud+ words ( ,dr4 ,holl&'s te/imony1 z quot$ f 8 ,life ( ,l9coln1 are z foll[s3 ,mod]ate1 frank1 tru?ful1 g5tle1 =giv+1 lov+1 j1 ,mr4 ,l9coln w always be rememb]$ z em95tly a ,*ri/ian ,presid5t2 & ! almo/ immeasurably great results :i* he _h ! privilege ( a*iev+ 7 due to ! fact t he 0 a ,*ri/ian ,presid5t4 ,?is pr$iction & ?is assumption are false1 *ange "o ^w & make !m gr&ly true4 ,mod]ate1 frank1 tru?ful1 g5tle1 =giv+1 lov+1 j1 ,mr4 ,l9coln w always be rememb]$ z em95tly a ,lib]al ,presid5t2 & ! almo/ immeasurably great results :i* he _h ! privilege ( a*iev+ 7 due to ! fact t he 0 a ,lib]al ,presid5t4 ,,*apt] ,,iii4 ,,review ,,( ,,*ri/ian ,,te/imony--,,re$ ,,& ,,8 ,,witnesses4 ,re$--,smi?--,edw>ds--,lewis--,brooks--, /atem5ts ( ,edw>ds1 ,smi?1 & ,brooks ,comp>$--,sund]l&--,m9]--,gurley-- ,failure ( ,re$ to ,e/abli% 8 ,claims4 ,( ! tw5ty ,*ri/ian witnesses ^: te/imony is giv5 9 ,*apt] ,i41 t5 admit t1 dur+ a "p ( 8 life1 ,l9coln 0 an unbeliev]1 or ,infidel4 ,( ! rema9+ t51 n "o d5ies ! fact4 ,x is conc$$1 !n1 t he 0 once an ,infidel4 ,n[1 x is a rule ( law t :5 a c]ta9 /ate or condition ( ?+s is once prov5 to exi/1 t /ate or condition is presum$ to cont9ue to exi/ until ! contr>y is prov54 ,if ,l9coln 01 at "o "t1 an ,infidel1 x is fair to assume t he rema9$ an ,infidel1 unless x c be %[n t he *ang$ 8 belief & became a ,*ri/ian4 ,?is ,dr4 ,re$ attempts to d4 ,8 lecture1 "u ! caption ( ,! ,lat] ,life & ,religi\s ,s5tim5ts ( ,abraham ,l9coln1 w be f\nd 9 ,scribn]'s ,mon?ly = ,july1 #ahgc4 ,! evid5ce pres5t$ by ,lamon _h plac$ ,dr4 ,holl& 9 a mo/ un5viable light4 ,z ,re$'s lecture reaffirm$ ! claim made by ,holl&1 & br\ght =w>d fre% evid5ce to sub/antiate ! claim1 x 0 naturally reg>d$ by _m ,*ri/ians z a v9dication ( ,holl&'s position1 especially by ^? :o _h n read ,lamon's "w4 ,holl& 0 p>ticul>ly pleas$ at its opportune appe>ance1 & *e]fully gave x a place 9 8 magaz9e4 ,re$'s individual te/imony proves no?+4 ,he does n pr(ess to "k1 f p]sonal k1 :at ,l9coln's religi\s views 74 ,! object ( 8 lecture 0 to invalidate1 if possible1 ! te/imony ( ^? :o affirm$ t he di$ an ,infidel1 & to pres5t1 9 addition to :at _h already be5 pres5t$ by ,holl&1 ! te/imony ( ^? :o affirm$ t dur+ ! la/ ye>s ( 8 life he 0 a ,*ri/ian4 ,to answ] 8 witnesses is to answ] 8 lecture4 ,! ,rev4 ,dr4 ,smi? affirms t he conv]t$ ,l9coln to a belief 9 ! div9e au?ority & inspiration ( ! ,scriptures4 ,x 0 imp]ative t he %\ld1 =1 said he1 ,x 0 my honor to place be=e ,mr4 ,l9coln argum5ts design$ to prove ! div9e au?ority & inspiration ( ! ,scriptures4 ,z a matt] ( c\rse1 ! result 0 ! ann\ncem5t by himself t ! argum5ts 9 favor ( ! div9e au?ority & inspiration ( ! ,scriptures 7 unansw]able4 ,consequ5tly1 ,mr4 ,l9coln did av[ 8 belief 9 ! div9e au?ority & inspiration ( ! ,scriptures4 ,impress$ ) a deep s5se ( ! gravity & importance ( 8 "w1 he decl>es t ,x is a matt] ( ! la/ importance n only to ! pres5t b to all future g5]ations ( ! great ,republic1 & to all advocates ( civil & religi\s lib]ty ?r\gh\t ! _w t ?is av[al on 8 "p1444 %\ld be made kn[n to ! public1 c\pl$ ) ! m important fact1 ( c\rse1 t x 0 ,dr4 ,smi? :o did x4 ,x is to be regrett$ t 8 wait+ until aft] ,l9coln's dea? to ann\nce x1 prev5t$ ! conv]t's ,*ri/ian fri5ds f t5d]+ _! congratulations & ext5d+ ! h& ( fell[%ip4 ,x is possible t he c\nsel$ ,dr4 ,smi? n to divulge ! secret = fe> x might injure 8 political prospects4 ,c]ta9 x is1 8 neighbors 7 ignorant ( ?is rem>kable *ange4 ,:5 ,holl& canvass$ ,spr+field1 9 #ahfe1 eag] to obta9 a morsel ( evid5ce ^u :i* to base 8 claim t ,l9coln 0 a ,*ri/ian1 he fail$ to cat* ev5 ! fa9te/ :isp] reg>d+ ?is alleg$ conv]sion4 ,:5 ,dr4 ,smi?'s lett] 0 made public1 ! ,*ri/ians ( ,spr+field g5]ally smil$1 b said no?+1 :ile unbeliev]s laugh$ outright & pron\nc$ x ! acme ( absurdity4 ,dr4 ,re$ read x to 8 audi5ce & tri$ to look s]i\s4 ,conc]n+ ?is claim1 ,l9coln's biograph]1 ,colonel ,lamon1 says3 ,! abilities ( ?is g5tleman to discuss su* a topic to ! edification ( a man l ,mr4 ,l9coln seem to h be5 r sl5d]2 b ! *ance ( conv]t+ s di/+ui%$ a p]son inspir$ him ) a zeal :i* he might n h felt = ! salvation ( an obscur] s\l4 ,mr4 ,l9coln li/5$ to 8 exhortations 9 sil5ce1 app>5tly respectful1 & occasionally sat out 8 s]mons 9 *ur* ) z mu* pati5ce z o!r p4 ,f9d+ ^! oral appeals unavail+1 ,mr4 ,smi? compos$ a heavy tract out ( 8 own head to suit ! p>ticul> case4 ',! prep>ation ( t "w1' says he1 'co/ me long & ardu\s labor2' b x does n appe> to h be5 read4 ,mr4 ,l9coln took ! '"w' to 8 (fice1 laid x d[n )\t writ+ 8 "n on x1 & nev] took x up aga9 to ! k ( a man :o inhabit$ ! (fice ) him1 & :o saw x ly+ on ! same spot e day = mon?s4 ,subsequ5tly ,mr4 ,smi? drew f ,mr4 ,l9coln an ackn[l$gm5t t 8 argum5t 0 unansw]able--n a v high complim5t "u ! circum/ances 7,life ( ,l9coln1 p4 #dih74 ,! g5tleman :om ,colonel ,lamon ref]s to z te/ify+ t ,l9coln did n read ,dr4 ,smi?'s book 0 ,l9coln's p>tn]1 ,mr4 ,h]ndon4 ,9 8 lecture on ,l9coln's ,religion1 ,mr4 ,h]ndon says3 ,mr4 ,l9coln receiv$ a book f ,dr4 ,smi? on ,infidelity4 ,he plac$ x on our law table4 ,he nev] op5$ x--nev] read x to my k4 ,if ,dr4 ,smi? _h conv]t$ ,l9coln1 z claim$1 is x n reasonable to suppose t he w\ld h jo9$ ,dr4 ,smi?'s *ur*8 ,_h he be5 conv]t$ w\ld ! cl]gym5 ( ,spr+field h d5\nc$ him z an ,infidel 9 #ahfj8 ,aga91 if ,dr4 ,smi?'s book 0 s effective z to conv]t f ,infidelity to ,*ri/ianity z great a m9d z ,l9coln1 :y h we n he>d m ( x8 ,:y has x n be5 us$ to conv]t o!r ,infidels8 ,0 its vitality z an evangeliz] exhau/$ 9 conv]t+ ,l9coln8 ,mr4 ,re$ 0 a trifle m successful ?an ,dr4 ,holl& 9 obta9+ witnesses2 = :ile ,holl& 0 able to secure b "o witness 9 ,ill9ois1 ,re$ 0 able to summon two--,n9ian ,edw>ds & ,?omas ,lewis4 ,! te/imony ( ,mr4 ,edw>ds1 provid+ t he 0 ! au?or ( ! lett] accr$it$ to him1 c only be acc\nt$ = on ! foll[+ supposition4 ,be+ a believ] 9 ,*ri/ianity himself1 he consid]$ ,l9coln's ,infidelity a grave defect 9 8 "*1 & 0 vex$ to see t ?is controv]sy _h giv5 x su* wide publicity4 ,to assi/ 9 remov+ ?is /a91 z he reg>d$ x1 f 8 k9sman's "n1 he all[$ to be publi%$ ov] 8 signature a /atem5t :i*1 unless 8 memory 0 v trea*]\s1 he mu/ h kn[n 0 untrue4 ,x may be t ,l9coln did *ange 8 views 9 reg>d to "s hi/orical or doctr9al po9t connect$ ) ,*ri/ianity1 & in=m$ ,mr4 ,edw>ds & o!r fri5ds at ! "t ( ! fact4 ,he might h *ang$ 8 op9ions on a hundr$ !ological que/ions )\t hav+ 9 ! lea/ *ang$ 8 views 9 relation to ! ma9 or fundam5tal doctr9es ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,an admission conc]n+ "s trivial "q connect$ ) ,*ri/ianity has be5 tortur$ to convey ! idea t he accept$ ! :ole sy/em4 ,a prom95t & respect$ citiz5 ( ,spr+field1 a g5tleman ^: "n has1 z yet1 n be5 m5tion$ 9 connection ) ?is controv]sy1 _h a conv]sation ) ,mr4 ,edw>ds relative to ?is subject1 soon aft] ,re$'s lecture 0 publi%$1 &1 z ! result ( t conv]sation1 he writes z foll[s3 ,mr4 ,edw>ds 0 n z good a witness on oral exam9ation z he 0 9 pr9t4 ,! lett] ( ,mr4 ,edw>ds is dat$ ,dec4 #bd1 #ahgb4 ,on ,jan4 #f1 #ahgc1 ! lett] ( ,?omas ,lewis 0 writt54 ,aft] two weeks ( ardu\s labor1 ,re$1 x seems1 succe$$ 9 f9d+ "o witness 9 ,spr+field :o 0 prep>$ to corroborate ! te/imony ( ,edw>ds--,?omas ,lewis4 ,9 a lecture on ,l9coln :i* appe>$ 9 ! ,/ate ,regi/]1 ( ,spr+field1 ,mr4 ,h]ndon dispos$ ( ?is witness z foll[s3 ,mr4 ,lewis's v]acity & integrity 9 ?is community ne$ no comm5t4 ,i h he>d good m5 say !y w\ld n believe 8 ^w "u any circum/ances1 especially if he 7 int]e/$4 ,i hate to /ate ?is ( ,tom1 b if he w obtrude himself 9 ?is discussion1 ,i _c help b say a ^w 9 self-def5se4 ,mr4 ,l9coln dete/$ ?is man1 ,i "k4 ,! idea t ,mr4 ,l9coln w\ld g to ,tom ,lewis & reveal to him 8 religi\s convictions1 is to me1 & to all :o "k ,mr4 ,l9coln & ,tom ,lewis1 too absurd4 ,! introduction ( ?is ,lewis z a witness demon/rates ! paucity ( evid5ce to be obta9$ on ?is side ( ! "q among ,l9coln's neighbors4 ,re$1 liv+ 9 a city ( tw5ty ?\s& inhabitants1 _m ( !m ! p]sonal fri5ds ( ,abraham ,l9coln1 aft] a vigor\s se>* = evid5ce1 is able only to pres5t ?is pitiable apology4 ,i h reason to believe t ! lett]s ( ,edw>ds & ,lewis 7 draft$1 n by ! p]sons ^: signatures !y be>1 b by ! ,rev4 ,j4 ,a4 ,re$4 ,we come next to ! te/imony ( ,noah ,brooks4 ,mr4 ,edw>ds1 support$ by ,mr4 ,lewis1 /ates t ,l9coln 0 conv]t$ soon aft] ,dr4 ,smi? locat$ at ,spr+field1 & ab\t ! "t ( 8 son ,eddie's dea?4 ,dr4 ,smi? came to ,spr+field 9 #ahdh1 & ,eddie di$ t[>d ! close ( ! same ye>4 ,dr4 ,smi?1 9 8 lett]1 does n /ate :5 ,l9coln's conv]sion took place1 b x is und]/ood f o!r s\rces t he claim$ t x occurr$ ab\t ! ye> #aheh4 ,mr4 ,brooks1 9 8 lett] to ,dr4 ,re$1 says3 ,speak+ to me ( ! *ange :i* _h come ^u him1 he said1 :ile he c\ld n fix any def9ite "t1 yet x 0 aft] he came "h ,wa%+ton1 & ,i am v positive t 9 8 own m9d he id5tifi$ x ) ab\t ! "t ( ,willie's dea?4 ,willie's dea? occurr$ 9 ,febru>y1 #ahfb1 ne>ly f\rte5 ye>s aft] ! dea? ( ,eddie1 & f\r ye>s aft] ,smi? claim$ to h conv]t$ ,l9coln4 ,?us x w be se5 t ^! witnesses nullify ea* o!r4 ,! te/imony ( ea* is contradict$ & refut$ by ! te/imony ( ! o!r two4 ,mr4 ,edw>ds says t ,l9coln 0 conv]t$ 9 #ahdh4 ,?is is contradict$ by ! te/imony ( bo? ,smi? & ,brooks4 ,accord+ to ,dr4 ,smi? 8 conv]sion happ5$ ab\t #aheh4 ,?is is contradict$ by ! te/imony ( bo? ,edw>ds & ,brooks4 ,mr4 ,brooks is q positive t x took place ab\t ! "t ( ,willie's dea?1 9 #ahfb4 ,?is1 9 turn1 is contradict$ by ! te/imony ( bo? ,edw>ds & ,smi?4 ,if ,mr4 ,edw>ds is "r1 bo? ,dr4 ,smi? & ,mr4 ,brooks are wrong4 ,if ,dr4 ,smi? is correct1 bo? ,mr4 ,edw>ds & ,mr4 ,brooks are incorrect4 ,if ,mr4 ,brooks has /at$ ! tru? bo? ,mr4 ,edw>ds & ,dr4 ,smi? h /at$ falsehoods4 ,! te/imony ( ^! witnesses does n /r5g!n ,re$'s case1 b weak5s x4 ,! te/imony ( two ( !m is self-evid5tly false1 & ?is is a suffici5t reason = d\bt+ ! tru?fulness ( ! ?ird4 ,_h ! evid5ce ( nei!r ,edw>ds nor ,smi? be5 invalidat$ by ! evid5ce ( ! o!rs1 ! fact t ,l9coln is s g5]ally conc$$ to h be5 an unbeliev] up to ! "t t he became ,presid5t1 w\ld r5d] x unwor?y ( consid]ation4 ,! te/imony ( ,brooks alone dem&s notice4 ,did ,l9coln *ange 8 belief aft] he left ,spr+field & w5t to ,wa%+ton8 ,! evid5ce ^u ?is po9t is decisive4 ,! man :o /ood ne>e/ to ,presid5t ,l9coln at ,wa%+ton--ne>] ?an any cl]gyman or newspap] correspond5t--0 8 private secret>y1 ,col4 ,john ,g4 ,nicolay4 ,9 a lett] dat$ ,may #bg1 #ahfe1 ,colonel ,nicolay says3 ,mr4 ,l9coln did n1 to my k1 9 any way *ange 8 religi\s ideas1 op9ions1 or beliefs f ! "t he left ,spr+field to ! day ( 8 dea?4 ,9 a lett] to 8 old fri5d1 ,judge ,wakefield1 writt5 aft] ,willie's dea?1 he decl>$ t 8 e>li] views ( ! uns\ndness ( ! ,*ri/ian s*eme ( salvation1 & ! human orig9 ( ! ,scriptures1 _h become cle>] & /rong] ) advanc+ ye>s1 & he did n ?9k he %\ld ev] *ange !m4 ,aft] 8 assass9ation ,mrs4 ,l9coln said3 ,mr4 ,l9coln _h no hope & no fai? 9 ! usual acceptance ( ^! words4 ,8 lifelong fri5d & executor1 ,judge ,david ,davis1 affirm$ ! same3 ,he _h no fai? 9 ! ,*ri/ian s5se ( ! t]m4 ,8 biograph]1 ,colonel ,lamon1 intimately acqua9t$ ) him 9 ,ill9ois1 & ) him dur+ all ! ye>s t he liv$ 9 ,wa%+ton1 says3 ,nev] 9 all t "t did he let fall f 8 lips or 8 p5 an expression :i* remotely impli$ ! slighte/ fai? 9 ,jesus z ! son ( ,god & ! ,savior ( m54 ,:y d ! /atem5ts ( ^! witnesses1 ,smi?1 ,edw>ds1 & ,brooks1 n agree respect+ ! date ( ,l9coln's conv]sion8 ,:5 _! te/imony 0 giv51 ,smi? 0 9 ,scotl&1 ,edw>ds 0 9 ,ill9ois1 & ,brooks 0 9 ,new ,york4 ,if he 0 conv]t$1 :y 0 ! fact n reveal$ be=e 8 dea?8 ,:y did ^! m5 wait until he di$ to make ^! /atem5ts to ! _w8 ,simply because ! dead c make no reply4 ,_h ,l9coln be5 conv]t$1 ! news w\ld h be5 waft$ on ! w+s ( lightn+ f "o end ( ! cont95t to ! o!r4 ,x w\ld h be5 publi%$ 9 e newspap]2 x w\ld h be5 proclaim$ f e pulpit2 x w\ld h be5 a topic ( conv]sation at e fireside4 ,:5 ,h5ry ,wilson1 a man ( f> less note ?an ,l9coln1 0 conv]t$ to ,*ri/ianity1 ! fact 0 h]ald$ all ov] ! l&4 ,l9coln's home 0 twice visit$ by dea? dur+ 8 lifetime1 & bo? occasions h be5 seiz$ ^u to ass]t t he exp]i5c$ a *ange ( he>t4 ,! dea? ( a belov$ *ild is no common sorr[1 & ! womanly t5d]ness ( ,l9coln's he>t made x d\bly poignant to him4 ,:5 dea? ent]$ 8 h\sehold1 says 8 fri5d1 ,george ,w4 ,julian1 8 sorr[ 0 s consum+ t x c\ld only be measur$ by ! s+ul> dep? & int5sity ( 8 love4 ,t ,mr4 ,edw>ds & ,mr4 ,brooks did ea* obs]ve a *ange 9 ! demeanor ( ! grief-/rick5 fa!r1 foll[+ ! sad ev5ts ref]r$ to1 is n improbable4 ,b a manife/ation ( sorr[ is no pro( ( a !ological *ange4 ,?ree ( ,re$'s witnesses rema9--?ree cl]gym5--,dr4 ,sund]l&1 ,dr4 ,m9]1 & ,dr4 ,gurley4 ,dr4 ,sund]l& is a man ( di/9ction4 ,he has _h ! honor ( pray+ = ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,s5ate & (ficiat+ at ! m>riage ( a ,presid5t4 ,yet1 di/9ction is n always ! badge ( hone/y4 ,w4 ,h4 ,burr1 a lit]>y g5tleman1 ( ,wa%+ton1 writ+ to a ,bo/on pap] 9 #ahhj1 paid ! foll[+ tribute to ,dr4 ,sund]l&'s v]acity3 ,he c probably put m falsehood & calumny 9 a page ( foolscap ?an any prie/ out ( prison4 ,mr4 ,sund]l& call$ ^u ! ,presid5t 9 #ahfb4 ,9 8 lett] to ,re$ he says3 ,= "o half h\r he p\r$ =? a volume ( ! deepe/ ,*ri/ian philosophy ,i ev] he>d4 ,not)/&+ t5 ye>s _h elaps$ s9ce t visit1 he proce$$ to give f memory a v]batim report ( ,l9coln's rem>ks4 ,! report is too long to reproduce 9 ?is "w1 & ev5 if correct1 w\ld add b little to ! weight ( ,*ri/ian evid5ce already pres5t$4 ,x is m]ely an e?ical disc\rse1 & aside f a few indirect admissions 9 favor ( ,*ri/ianity = :i* ,sund]l& d\btless drew ^u 8 imag9ation1 !re is no?+ t ,pa9e or any o!r ,dei/ might n ) propriety h utt]$4 ,^? :o wi% to p]use ,mr4 ,sund]l&'s lett] w f9d x 9 ,scribn]'s ,mon?ly = ,july1 #ahgc4 ,dr4 ,m9]1 l ,dr4 ,sund]l&1 _h a quiet *at ) ! ,presid5t1 & :at 0 said he assures u is too deeply engrav$ on 8 memory ev] to be effac$4 ,b1 unlike ,dr4 ,sund]l&1 he does n favor u ) a transcript ( x4 ,he does n repeat a ^w t 0 utt]$4 ,he /ates1 h[ev]1 t1 ,if ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 n really an exp]im5tal ,*ri/ian1 he 0 act+ l "o4 ,b h[ does an exp]im5tal ,*ri/ian act8 ,if he behaves himself1 if he is intellig5t & hone/1 8 actions are n mat]ially diff]5t f ^? ( a good ,free?9k]4 ,dr4 ,m9] did n believe t ,l9coln 0 an exp]im5tal ,*ri/ian1 & 9 8 article !re is an impli$ admission t he knew no?+ ab\t 8 religion4 ,he says t1 ,l ! immortal ,wa%+ton1 he believ$ 9 ! efficacy ( pray]4 ,! comp>ison is happily drawn4 ,l9coln probably did believe z mu* 9 ! efficacy ( pray] z ,wa%+ton2 t is to say1 he did n believe 9 x at all1 9 ! evangelical s5se4 ,!re is no evid5ce t ,wa%+ton believ$ 9 pray]1 no pro( t he ev] utt]$ a pray]4 ,t /ory ab\t 8 pray+ at ,valley ,=ge is z truly a my? z ! /ory ab\t ! hat*et4 ,! ,rev4 ,e4 ,d4 ,neill1 an em95t ,episcopal m9i/]1 & a relative ( ! p]son :o is report$ to h se5 ,wa%+ton engag$ 9 pray]1 pron\nces x a fiction4 ,dr4 ,gurley is repres5t$ z say+3 ,i consid]$ him s\nd n only on ! tru? ( ! ,*ri/ian religion1 b on all its fundam5tal doctr9es & tea*+s4 ,?is1 rememb]1 is f a ,calv9i/ic /&po9t4 ,l9coln1 !n1 n only accept$ ,*ri/ianity1 b its mo/ ultra v>iety--,calv9ism4 ,he believ$ 9 orig9al s91 pr$e/9ation 7includ+ infant damnation71 p>ticul> r$emption1 irresi/ible grace1 & p]sev]ance ( ! sa9ts4 ,because he sometimes w5t ) 8 wife to ! ,presbyt]ian *ur*1 ( :i* %e 0 an adh]5t1 ! prie/s ( ?is d5om9ation h ! contemptible assurance to ass]t t he 0 a rigid ,calv9i/6 ,:5 he di$ ,dr4 ,gurley1 be+ ,mrs4 ,l9coln's pa/or1 deliv]$ ! fun]al oration 9 ,wa%+ton4 ,9 t oration ,dr4 ,gurley did n affirm t ,l9coln 0 a ,*ri/ian1 a ?+ he w\ld n h fail$ to d _h x be5 true4 ,long aft] ,l9coln's dea?1 ,dr4 ,gurley1 if ,re$ has correctly report$ him1 makes a /atem5t t he _h n ! c\rage to make ov] 8 dead body4 ,a reputable ,*ri/ian g5tleman1 ( ,spr+field1 :o desires to h 8 "n )held f ! public1 decl>es t ,dr4 ,gurley knew & admitt$ t ,l9coln 0 a disbeliev] 9 ,*ri/ianity4 ,x is q probable t ,gurley did n /ate 9 full :at ,re$ reports him to h /at$4 ,a man :o c take up 8 p5 & at "o sitt+ indite a score ( falsehoods & misrepres5tations1 z ,re$1 on a subsequ5t occasion1 is %[n to h done1 c n be reli$ ^u = accuracy z a report]4 ,! read] has d\btless n fail$ to notice ! introduction ( a claim by ,re$ to ! effect t ,l9coln at ! "t ( 8 assass9ation 0 int5d+ to unite ) ! *ur*4 ,t ! idea 0 sugge/$ by ,re$ is %[n by ! fact t no less ?an ?ree ( ^! witnesses1 includ+ ,re$1 allude to x4 ,re$ says3 ,:ile x is to be regrett$ t ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 n sp>$ to indicate 8 religi\s s5tim5ts by a pr(ession ( 8 fai? 9 accordance ) ! in/itutions ( ! ,*ri/ian religion1 yet x is v cle> t he _h ?is /ep 9 view4 ,dr4 ,gurley is made to say3 ,x 0 8 int5tion soon to make a pr(ession ( religion4 ,mr4 ,brooks says3 ,i absorb$ ! porosity ( "s ( ^! witnesses is rem>kable ! firm conviction t ,mr4 ,l9coln444 0 s]i\sly consid]+ ! /ep :i* w\ld =mally connect him ) ! visible *ur* on e>?4 ,?is d]ni] resort ( an argum5t has be5 repeat$ respect+ ne>ly e notable p]son :o has di$ outside ( ! *ur*4 ,soon aft] ! publication ( ,re$'s lecture1 ! ,new ,york ,_w conta9$ ! foll[+ p]t95t answ] to ?is /ale fabrication3 ,x is admitt$ by ,mr4 ,re$ & ev]ybody else t ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 a work+ ,infidel up to a v late p]iod ( 8 life1 t he wrote a book & labor$ e>ne/ly to make proselytes to 8 own views1 t he nev] publicly recant$1 & t he nev] jo9$ ! *ur*4 ,^u ^? :o1 9 ! face ( ^! trem5d\s facts1 allege t he 0 nev]!less a ,*ri/ian lies ! burd5 ( pro(4 ,let !m produce x or =ev] hold _! peace4 ,9 ! mean "t x is a sad & pu]ile subt]fuge to argue t he w\ld h be5 a ,*ri/ian if he _h liv$ long en\gh1 & to lam5t t he 0 n 'sp>$' = t purpose4 ,he _h be5 sp>$ fifty-six ye>s & surr\nd$ by e circum/ance t might s(t5 8 he>t & e influ5ce t might elevate 8 fai?4 ,if he 0 at t late1 t fatal h\r /&+ ?us gloomily )\t ! pale1 :at reason h we to suppose t he int5d$ ev] to ent]8 ,re$ speaks ( ! pov]ty ( 8 e>ly religi\s in/ruction1 app>5tly =gett+ t he 0 rais$ by ,*ri/ian p>5ts4 ,8 fa!r 0 a *ur*-memb]1 8 "m 0 a *ur*-memb]1 & 8 /epmo!r 0 a *ur*-memb]4 ,re$ /ates1 also1 t ! books he read 7 all ( an anti-religi\s "*4 ,holl&1 on ! contr>y1 decl>es t bett] books ?an ^? he read c\ld n h be5 *os5 f ! ri*e/ libr>y4 ,! fact is1 ,abraham ,l9coln did n become an ,infidel to ,*ri/ianity f a lack ( k respect+ its claims4 ,he ?or\ghly exam9$ its claims1 & reject$ !m because he f\nd !m unt5able4 ,"o important feature ( ?is subject ,re$ has ei!r inadv]t5tly omitt$ or purposely ignor$1 & t is 9 reg>d to ! validity ( ! ,bateman /ory4 ,z ! result ( previ\s controv]sy ?is evid5ce _h be5 r5d]$ valueless4 ,l9coln's p>tn] _h decl>$ x to be false1 _h ass]t$ t ,mr4 ,bateman 9 private conv]sations ackn[l$g$ x to be 9 "p untrue1 & ann\nc$ 8 read9ess to sub/antiate 8 ass]tions if ,mr4 ,bateman c\ld be prevail$ ^u to p]mit ! publication ( 8 notes ( ^! conv]sations tak5 at ! "t4 ,if ,mr4 ,h]ndon's affirmations 7 true1 x de/roy$ ! te/imony ( ,holl& & ,bateman2 if untrue1 x *all5g$ ,mr4 ,bateman to reaffirm ! /atem5ts record$ by ,holl&1 & all[ ! seal ( privacy to be remov$ f 8 conv]sations on ! subject4 ,:y did ,mr4 ,re$ n rehabilitate ?is damag$ evid5ce8 ,did he =get x8 ,no1 x is pla9ly evid5t t he did n d>e to attempt x4 ,9 review+ ?is ,calv9i/ic cot]ie ( witnesses 7!y are all ,calv9i/s1 & ne>ly all ,presbyt]ians71 "o is /ruck ) ! =midable display ( !ological app5dages4 ,:at an impos+ array ( ,d4,d4's6 ,rev4 ,j4 ,a4 ,re$1 ,d4,d46 ,rev4 ,james ,smi?1 ,d4,d46 ,rev4 ,byron ,sund]l&1 ,d4,d46 ,rev4 ,mr4 ,m9]1 ,d4,d46 ,rev4 ,mr4 ,gurley1 ,d4,d46 ,x 0 a desp]ate case--div9ity 0 sick & ne$$ doctor+4 ,! doctors ( div9ity 7 accord+ly call$ 91 & prescrib$ ,! ,lat] ,life & ,religi\s ,s5tim5ts ( ,abraham ,l9coln1 aft] :i* x 0 suppos$ t div9ity w\ld recov]4 ,he may be bett]1 b x is pa9fully app>5t t "s ( ^! ,d4,d4's are !mselves sadly 9 ne$ ( a doctor4 ,,*apt] ,,iv4 ,,review ,,( ,,*ri/ian ,,te/imony--,,arnold ,,& ,,o!r ,,witnesses ,arnold's ,life ( ,l9coln--,claims ,conc]n+ ,l9coln's ,religi\s ,belief--,address to ,negroes ( ,baltimore-- ,c>p5t]--,hawley--,willets--,pi\s ,nurse--,we/]n ,*ri/ian ,advocate--,ill9ois ,cl]gyman--,b>r[s--,v9ton--,simpson4 ,) ! ,*ri/ian masses ^: m9ds h become w>p$ by ! bigot$ tea*+s ( _! cl]ical lead]s1 no?+ affects ! reputation ( a man s mu* z 8 religi\s belief4 ,public m5 :o are disbeliev]s are fully cognizant ( ?is1 & g5]ally refra9 f express+ s5tim5ts t w\ld t5d to ali5ate ^? ^u :om ! ret5tion ( _! positions dep5ds4 ,biograph]s und]/& ?is1 too1 & are likewise aw>e t a dead ,infidel is z cordially hat$ z a live "o4 ,!y "k t a cold reception awaits _! works unless !y are able to clo! ! *>act]s ( _! subjects 9 ! robes ( popul> sup]/ition4 ,mr4 ,arnold realiz$ ?is :5 he wrote 8 ,life ( ,l9coln4 ,he _h be5 mo/ =cibly rem9d$ ( ! fact by ! fate ( two biographies ( 8 own subject :i* _h already appe>$--,holl&'s & ,lamon's4 ,holl&'s "w by cat]+ to popul> prejudice1 reg>dless ( tru?1 _h be5 f9ancially a success2 ,lamon's "w by adh]+ to tru?1 reg>dless ( popul> prejudice1 _h be5 f9ancially a failure4 ,det]m9$ to pr(it by ^! examples1 & intimidat$ by ! ?reats & entreaties ( ^? :o _h resolv$ to secure = ,*ri/ianity ! influ5ce ( ! ,great ,emancipator's "n1 ,arnold d>e n give ! facts reg>d+ ,l9coln's religi\s belief4 ,nor is x to be presum$ t he desir$ to4 ,he _h previ\sly appe>$ z a special plead] = ! popul> fai?4 ,he affirms t ,no m rev]5t ,*ri/ian ?an ,l9coln ev] sat 9 ! ,executive *air1 n except+ ,wa%+ton4 ,! fact is1 :5 ,arnold wrote 8 biography ( ,l9coln1 no v rev]5t ,*ri/ian ev] _h occupi$ ! ,executive *air4 ,previ\s to ! in/allation ( ,g54 ,b4 ,h4 ,h>rison no real or?odox ,*ri/ian communicant _h held ! (fice ( ,presid5t4 ,if ,mr4 ,arnold knew no m ab\t ,l9coln's religion ?an he appe>s to h kn[n ab\t ,wa%+ton's1 a m *>itable reason ?an ^? sugge/$ might be assign$ = 8 /atem5ts conc]n+ ! =m]4 ,wa%+ton1 l ,l9coln1 has be5 claim$ by ! *ur*2 yet1 ,wa%+ton1 l ,l9coln1 0 a ,dei/4 ,?is is admitt$ ev5 by ! lead+ *ur*m5 ( 8 day4 ,?ree ( ! mo/ em95t div9es ( 8 age1 & ! ?ree to :om he 0 mo/ intimately relat$ 9 a social way1 7 ,bi%op ,:ite1 ,rev4 ,dr4 ,ab]crombie1 & ,rev4 ,dr4 ,a%bel ,gre54 ,bi%op ,:ite decl>es t ,wa%+ton 0 n a communicant1 z claim$ by "s1 & intimates t he 0 a disbeliev]4 ,! ,rev4 ,dr4 ,ab]crombie1 ^: *ur* he att5d$ :ile he 0 ,presid5t1 said3 ,wa%+ton 0 a ,dei/4 ,! ,rev4 ,dr4 ,a%bel ,gre51 *apla9 to ,congress dur+ 8 adm9i/ration1 said3 ,l ne>ly all ! f\nd]s ( ! ,republic1 he 0 n a ,*ri/ian1 b a ,dei/4 ,arnold pres5ts ! foll[+ z ! basis ( ,l9coln's religion1 & pro(s ( 8 ,*ri/ianity3 7#a7 ,belief 9 ! exi/5ce ( ,god1 7#b7 9 ! immortality ( ! s\l1 7#c7 9 ! ,bible z ! revelation ( ,god to man1 7#d7 9 ! efficacy & duty ( pray]1 7#e7 9 rev]5ce t[>d ! ,almighty1 & 7#f7 9 love & *>ity to man4 #a4 ,belief 9 ! exi/5ce ( ,god4 ,?is does n prove a belief 9 ,*ri/ianity4 ,! ,jew believes 9 ! exi/5ce ( ,god2 ! ,mohamm$an believes 9 ! exi/5ce ( ,god2 ! ,dei/ic ,infidel believes 9 ! exi/5ce ( ,god4 #b4 ,belief 9 ! immortality ( ! s\l4 ,t he believ$ 9 ! immortality ( ! s\l is a claim t _c be cle>ly e/abli%$2 & ev5 if x c\ld1 w\ld n confirm ! assumption t he 0 a ,*ri/ian4 ,dei/s1 _m ( !m1 believe 9 ! doctr9e ( immortality4 ,pa9e believ$ 9 immortality2 ,voltaire believ$ 9 immortality4 #c4 ,belief 9 ! ,bible z ! revelation ( ,god to man4 ,?is1 if true1 w\ld be evid5ce ( 8 ,*ri/ianity2 b1 un=tunately = ,mr4 ,arnold's claim1 ,l9coln did n ent]ta9 ?is belief4 #d4 ,belief-9 ! efficacy & duty ( pray]4 ,?is1 9 ! or?odox s5se ( ^! t]ms1 is n true2 & if x 71 w\ld n furni% conclusive evid5ce t he 0 a ,*ri/ian4 ,jews pray2 ,mohamm$ans pray2 ,buddhi/s pray2 "s ,dei/s pray4 ,frankl9 believ$ 9 ! efficacy & duty ( pray]1 & ,frankl9 0 an ,infidel4 #e4 ,belief 9 rev]5ce to ! ,almighty4 ,?is does n demon/rate a belief 9 ,*ri/ianity1 = all ,dei/s believe 9 rev]5ce to ! ,almighty4 #f4 ,belief 9 love & *>ity to man4 ,:5 x c be %[n t only ,*ri/ians believe 9 love & *>ity1 !n w x be "t to affirm t ,l9coln 0 a ,*ri/ian4 ,arnold conf\nds ,*ri/ianity ) ,deism4 ,9 ! foll[+ words he admits t ,l9coln 0 simply a ,dei/3 ,n or?odox1 n a man ( cre$s1 he 0 a man ( simple tru/ 9 ,god4 ,:5 ! subject ( ,l9coln's belief 0 once m5tion$ to ,mr4 ,arnold1 he said3 ,l9coln 0 a rational ,*ri/ian because he believ$ 9 morality4 ,) equal propriety "o might say ( an upright ,*ri/ian1 ,he is a rational ,free?9k] because he believes 9 morality4 ,8 reply to ! ,negroes ( ,baltimore1 he says1 ought to sil5ce =ev] ^? :o *>ge him ) unbelief4 ,?is alleg$ reply ( ,l9coln 0 z foll[s3 ,9 reg>d to ! ,great ,book ,i h only to say t x is ! be/ gift :i* ,god has giv5 to man4 ,all ! good f ! ,savior ( ! _w is communicat$ to u ?r\gh ?is book4 ,b = ?is book we c\ld n "k "r f wrong4 ,all ^? ?+s desirable to man are conta9$ 9 x 7,l9coln ,memorial ,album1 p4 #cdj74 ,! writ] ( ?is 0 9 ,wa%+ton :5 ! color$ deputation f ,baltimore pres5t$ ! ,presid5t ) a #ejj ,bible4 ,! pap]s m5tion$ ! fact at ! "t1 b no su* spee* z ,l9coln is said to h made appe>$ 9 ! reports4 ,ab\t two mon?s lat]1 ?is apocryphal v]sion ( 8 rem>ks on ! occasion ref]r$ to1 made its appe>ance4 ,! fir/ two s5t5ces conta9$ 9 ?is spee* 7! only "p ( x t ,arnold has quot$71 ,l9coln1 if a ,*ri/ian1 might h utt]$4 ,!y are words t any intellig5t ,*ri/ian might1 f 8 /&po9t1 ) propriety affirm4 ,we are famili> ) ^! claims4 ,we are also famili> ) ! claims embodi$ 9 ! la/ two s5t5ces4 ,!y are repeat$ly made4 ,b !y are made only by v ignorant p]sons1 or by cl]ical hypocrites :o try to impose ^u ! ignorance & cr$ulity ( _! he>]s4 ,_h ,l9coln be5 a ,*ri/ian he w\ld n h us$ ^! words1 because he 0 too intellig5t to believe !m1 & too hone/ to pret5d to believe !m4 ,conc]n+ ?is spee*1 ,l9coln's p>tn]1 ,mr4 ,h]ndon1 ?us vigor\sly1 yet tru?fully1 rem>ks3 ,i am aw>e ( ! fraud committ$ on ,mr4 ,l9coln 9 report+ "s insane rem>ks suppos$ to h be5 made by him1 9 #ahfd1 on ! pres5tation ( a ,bible to him by ! color$ p ( ,baltimore4 ,no sane man ev] utt]$ su* folly1 & no sane man w ev] believe x4 ,9 t spee* ,mr4 ,l9coln is made to say3 ',b = ?is book we c\ld n "k "r f wrong4' ,does any human be+ believe t ,l9coln ev] utt]$ ?is8 ,:at did ! :ole race ( man d to "k "r f wrong dur+ ! c\ntless ye>s t pass$ be=e ?is book 0 giv5 to ! _w8 ,h[ did ! /ruggl+ race ( man build up its gr& civilizations 9 ! _w be=e ?is book 0 giv5 to mank9d8 ,:at d ! millions ( p n[ liv+1 :o nev] he>d ( ?is book1 d to "k h[ to di/+ui% "r f wrong8 ,0 ,l9coln a fool1 an ass1 a hypocrite1 or a comb9ation ( !m all8 or is ?is spee*--?is suppos$--?is fraudul5t spee*--a lie8 ,arnold w\ld h 8 read]s believe t ?is spee* is g5u9e4 ,& yet x is pla9ly evid5t t he himself does n believe x4 ,he mutilates x by omitt+ ! m or?odox portion ( x--! v portion he w\ld h reta9$ _h he believ$ x to be g5u9e4 ,! fir/ "p w\ld suffice to s]ve 8 purpose2 ! rema9d] he knew 0 too incr$ible = belief & w\ld /amp ! :ole z a fraud4 ,arnold says3 ,! veil betwe5 him & ! sup]natural 0 v ?94 ,yes1 s ?9 t he easily saw ?r\gh x & recogniz$ ! great] "p ( x to be a %am4 ,8 fai? 9 a ,div9e ,provid5ce began at 8 "m's knee1 & ran ?r\gh all ! *anges ( 8 life4 ,i d n desire to *>ge ,mr4 ,arnold ) plagi>ism1 b ! =ego+ recalls ! foll[+ mu* admir$ passage to be f\nd 9 ,holl&3 ,?is unwav]+ fai? 9 a ,div9e ,provid5ce began at 8 "m's knee1 & ran l a ?read ( gold ?r\gh all ! inn] exp]i5ces ( 8 life 7,life ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #fa1 #fb74 ,!re is mu* 9 ,arnold's biography1 aside f ! above1 to sugge/ t ,holl&'s "w =m$ ! basis & model ( 8 own4 ,:ile m accurate 9 ! ma9 ?an ,holl&'s ,life1 ,arnold's ,life is 9 "s respects equally unreliable1 & less readable4 ,adv]t+ to ! _m fraudul5t /ories t h be5 circulat$ conc]n+ ,l9coln1 9 an address deliv]$ 9 ,london1 ,mr4 ,arnold said3 ,! newspap]s 9 ,am]ica h always be5 full ( ,l9coln /ories & anecdotes1 "s true & _m fabul\s4 ,un=tunately = ! cause ( tru?1 ,mr4 ,arnold has himself record$ "s ( ^! fabul\s /ories1 n because he deem$ !m au!ntic1 b because !y agre$ ) 8 preconceiv$ prejudices1 or ! prejudices ( ^? :om he wi%$ to please4 ,mr4 ,c>p5t] says3 ,i w\ld sc>cely h call$ ,mr4 ,l9coln a religi\s man1 & yet ,i believe him to h be5 a s9c]e ,*ri/ian4 ,9 a lett]1 ,mr4 ,h]ndon makes ! foll[+ correction 9 reg>d to 8 fri5d ,c>p5t]'s /atem5t3 ,mr4 ,c>p5t] has n express$ 8 own ideas correctly4 ,to say t a man is a ,*ri/ian & yet n a religi\s man is absurd4 ,religion is ! g5]ic t]m includ+ all =ms ( religion2 ,*ri/ianity is a specific t]m repres5t+ "o =m ( religion4 ,c>p5t] means to say t ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 a religi\s man b n a ,*ri/ian1 & ?is is ! tru?4 ,x is un=tunate t :ile 9 _m cases we h sev]al words to express ! same idea1 ! same ^w 9 _m cases is employ$ to express diff]5t ideas4 ,ideas ?us become confus$4 ,if ! t]ms morality1 religion1 & ,*ri/ianity1 7 always us$ 9 _! legitimate s5se--us$ to express ! ideas ( :i* !y 7 ! orig9al signs--mu* tr\ble & ambiguity w\ld be avoid$4 ,z x is1 !y are promiscu\sly us$ z int]*angeable t]ms4 ,_m use ! ^w religion & ev5 ,*ri/ianity :5 !y mean morality4 ,mr4 ,c>p5t] uses ! ^w religi\s 9 its prop] s5se1 & ! ^w ,*ri/ian to mean a moral man4 ,! foll[+ examples w s]ve to illu/rate ! v>i\s =ms employ$ to express ! ?\ght n[ "u consid]ation3 ,i w\ld sc>cely h call$ ,mr4 ,l9coln a religi\s man1 & yet ,i believe him to h be5 a s9c]e ,*ri/ian4--,c>p5t]4 ,i w\ld sc>cely h call$ ,mr4 ,l9coln a ,*ri/ian1 & yet ,i believe him to h be5 a truly religi\s man4--,h]ndon4 ,i w\ld sc>cely h call$ ,mr4 ,l9coln a religi\s man1 & yet ,i believe him to h be5 a truly moral man4--,au?or4 ,we all desire to express sub/antially ! same ?\ght4 ,i d n wi% to dictate to ,mr4 ,c>p5t] & ,mr4 ,h]ndon :at words !y %all employ to convey an idea1 b ?is explanation is ess5tial to a prop] und]/&+ ( ! "q 9 dispute & w help to reconcile mu* ( ! app>5tly conflict+ te/imony pres5t$ 9 ?is "w4 ,z ,l9coln 0 9 a c]ta9 s5se a ,dei/1 ! religi\s elem5t 0 n entirely want+ 9 him1 & h5ce ! /atem5t ( ,mr4 ,h]ndon t he 0 a religi\s man is1 9 a degree1 true4 ,! basis ( ,c>p5t]'s "w 0 a s]ies ( articles contribut$ to ! ,new ,york ,indep5d5t4 ,:5 x 0 decid$ to publi% ^! 9 book =m1 to swell !m into a volume ( ! desir$ size1 to 8 p]sonal rem9isc5ces he add$ _m ( ! /ories p]ta9+ to ,l9coln !n go+ ! r\nds ( ! press4 ,al?\gh he 0 z x 7 a memb] ( ,l9coln's h\sehold six mon?s he fail$ to he> f ,l9coln's lips a ^w express+ a belief 9 ,*ri/ianity4 ,^! apocryphal /ories1 & ^! alone1 conta9 all ! evid5ces ( ,l9coln's alleg$ piety to be f\nd 9 ,c>p5t]'s book4 ,& 8 admission t ,l9coln 0 n a religi\s man disproves !m4 ,mr4 ,hawley pr(ess$ to believe t ,l9coln 0 a ,*ri/ian1 b he _h no p]sonal k ( ! fact1 al?\gh 8 neighbor = _m ye>s4 ,! only reasons he 0 able to adduce ^u :i* to pr$icate 8 belief 7 ! ,bateman /ory & 8 f>ewell spee* on leav+ ,spr+field4 ,! =m] has be5 explod$1 ! latt] proves no?+4 ,dur+ all ! lat] ye>s ( 8 life ,l9coln g5]ally refra9$ f express+ 8 anti-,*ri/ian op9ions1 except to fri5ds :o %>$ 8 views4 ,?is sil5ce1 9 connection ) 8 /]l+ moral "*1 might lead "s ( 8 ,*ri/ian neighbors to suppose t he 0 a believ]1 ! m especially z ,*ri/ians are g5]ally ignorant ( ! ext5t ( unbelief1 & are loa? to believe t a p]son1 unless he op5ly av[s 8 disbelief1 c be an ,infidel4 ,accord+ to ,mr4 ,willets1 ,l9coln1 dur+ ! w>1 _h an attack ( :at he ?\ght might be a *ange ( he>t4 ,he consult$ a pi\s lady 9 reg>d to x & reque/$ h] to describe to him ! symptoms att5d+ ?is !ological disease4 ,%e def9$ a true religi\s exp]i5ce z a conviction ( "o's own s9fulness & weakness1 & p]sonal ne$ ( ! ,savior = /r5g? & support4 ,%e said t :5 "o 0 really br\ght to feel 8 ne$ ( div9e help1 & to seek ! aid ( ! ,holy ,_s = /r5g? & guidance1 x 0 satisfactory evid5ce ( 8 hav+ be5 born aga94 ,l9coln repli$ t if :at %e _h told him 0 a correct view ( ?is great subject1 he hop$ he 0 a ,*ri/ian4 ,b 0 ?is a correct view ( x8 ,i 0 n aw>e t conviction con/itut$ conv]sion4 ,we h be5 taught t conviction is b a prelim9>y /ep t[>d conv]sion4 ,if ,l9coln reli$ ^u ?is z a true exposition ( ?is doctr9e1 ! g5u95ess ( 8 conv]sion may well be que/ion$4 ,x is to be regrett$ t ,mr4 ,willets did n give ! "n ( 8 in=mant4 ,z x is1 we d n "k :e!r to cr$it a lady acqua9tance ( 81 or himself1 ) ! inv5tion ( a fir/-class fiction4 ,9 reg>d to ! /ory ( ! ,pi\s ,nurse1 we h n ev5 a cl]gyman to v\* = its au!nticity4 ,we d n "k ! "n ( ?is witness2 we d n "k :om %e communicat$ ! /ory to2 we d n "k :5 nor :]e x made its fir/ appe>ance4 ,we only "k t = ye>s x has be5 float+ ?r\gh ! columns ( ! religi\s press1 a companion-piece to ,wa%+ton's devotional ex]cise at ,valley ,=ge4 ,hi/ory1 said ,napoleon1 is a set ( lies agre$ ^u4 ,( ! _m lies agre$ ^u by ,*ri/ian writ]s 9 mak+ up ! hi/ory ( ,l9coln1 none has become m ?or\ghly e/abli%$ ?an ! "o orig9ally publi%$ by ! ,we/]n ,*ri/ian ,advocate4 ,x has be5 incorporat$ into ! works ( a score ( hi/orians & biograph]s1 & is almo/ univ]sally accept$ z a hi/orical fact4 ,ne>ly all ! pi\s /ories relat+ to ,l9coln1 :ile palpably false 9 ! eyes ( ^? :o knew him1 are yet ( su* a nature z to r5d] a complete refutation ( !m extremely difficult4 ,! /ory "u consid]ation1 h[ev]1 is ( a diff]5t "*4 ,its tru?fulness or falsity c\ld at ! "t ( its publication h be5 easily asc]ta9$4 ,if true1 any memb] ( ,l9coln's cab9et c\ld h v]ifi$ x4 ,i knew t x 0 untrue--at lea/ ,i knew t a ,cab9et meet+ _h nev] be5 trans=m$ into a pray] meet+ at ,l9coln's sugge/ion4 ,i f9ally resolv$ to demon/rate its falsity if possible4 ,b a qu>t] ( a c5tury _h pass$ away1 & e memb] ( ,l9coln's ,cab9et 0 dead save "o1 ,hugh ,mc,culloch1 8 la/ ,secret>y ( ! ,treasury4 ,) ! aid ( a fri5d1 ,mr4 ,n4 ,p4 ,/ockbridge1 ( ,ft4 ,wayne1 ,ind41 an old acqua9tance ( ,mr4 ,mc,culloch's1 ,i succe$$ 9 br++ ! matt] be=e ?is only surviv+ witness1 & receiv$ f 8 p51 9 ,febru>y1 #ahia1 ! foll[+ prompt d5ial3 ,! description ( :at occurr$ at ! ,executive ,mansion1 :5 ! intellig5ce 0 receiv$ ( ! surr5d] ( ! ,conf$]ate =ces1 :i* y quote f ! ,we/]n ,*ri/ian ,advocate1 is n only absolutely gr\ndless1 b absurd4 ,aft] ,i became ,secret>y ( ! ,treasury ,i 0 pres5t at e ,cab9et meet+1 & ,i nev] saw ,mr4 ,l9coln or any ( 8 m9i/]s ^u 8 knees or 9 te>s4 ,we 7 n especially jubilant ov] ,lee's surr5d]1 = ?is we _h be5 prep>$ = "s days4 ,! "t = our great rejoic+ 0 a little e>li]4 ,aft] ,%]man _h comm5c$ 8 celebrat$ m>* to ! sea1 & long & we>y days _h pass$ )\t any reliable reports f him1 we 7 fill$ ) anxiety & appreh5sion4 ,x 0 :5 ! news came t he & 8 army1 9 excell5t condition1 7 9 ! neighborhood ( ,*>le/on1 t our joy 0 irrepressible2 n only because ( _! safety1 b because x 0 an assurance t ! days ( ! ,conf$]acy 7 ne>ly end$4 ,) ,grant be=e ,ri*mond 9 comm& ( sup]ior =ces1 & ,%]man ) ! f9e/ army 9 ! _w1 ready to move nor?w>d1 ev]ybody felt t ! w> mu/ be soon conclud$1 & t ! ,union 0 safe4 ,we 71 ( c\rse1 happy :5 ,g5]al ,lee & 8 sev]ely tri$ soldi]s laid d[n _! arms1 b ?is1 z ,i h said1 0 n unexpect$4 ,x 0 :5 our anxiety 9 reg>d to ,%]man 0 succe$$ by hopefulness & confid5ce t our joy became exub]ant4 ,b !re 0 no su* exhibition ( x z has be5 publi%$ by ! ,advocate4 ,an ,ill9ois ,cl]gyman reports ,l9coln z say+ t :5 he left ,spr+field he 0 n a ,*ri/ian1 t :5 8 son ,willie di$ he 0 n a ,*ri/ian1 b t :5 he visit$ ! battlefield ( ,gettysburg he gave 8 he>t to ,*ri/4 ,*ri/ians cite ! te/imony ( ?is anonym\s witness1 seem+ly unconsci\s ( ! fact t if true x refutes ! te/imony ( e o!r ,*ri/ian witness4 ,if ?is /atem5t be true :at becomes ( ! te/imony ( ,holl& & ,bateman8 ,:at becomes ( ! te/imony ( ,re$'s witnesses8 ,! te/imony ( ,brooks invalidat$ ! te/imony ( e o!r witness2 ! te/imony ( ?is ,ill9ois cl]gyman invalidates ! te/imony ( ,brooks itself4 ,re$ did n pres5t ?is evid5ce1 d\btless aw>e t 8 lecture already conta9$ a suffici5t numb] ( discrepancies4 ,he 0 ?\ghtful en\gh1 h[ev]1 to anticipate x4 ,he _h ,dr4 ,gurley ref] to ,l9coln's conv]sion z tak+ place aft] ! dea? ( 8 son ,willie & 8 visit to ! battlefield ( ,gettysburg4 ,^! ev5ts are ref]r$ to z if !y occurr$ 9 close proximity to ea* o!r2 :]eas ! dea? ( ,willie occurr$ dur+ ! fir/ ye> ( 8 adm9i/ration1 8 visit to ,gettysburg less ?an sev5te5 mon?s be=e 8 assass9ation4 ,! passage quot$ f ,dr4 ,b>r[s conta9s six specific affirmations4 #a4 ,9 ! anxi\s unc]ta9ties ( ! great w>1 he gradually rose to ! hights :]e ,jehovah became to him ! sublime/ ( realities1 ! rul] ( nations4 ,collect all ! utt]ances ( ,abraham ,l9coln1 all ! lett]s he ev] wrote1 all ! spee*es he ev] deliv]$1 all ! /ate pap]s he gave to ! public2 & f ?is full /ore ( words t fell f 8 lips & fl[$ f 8 p51 ,i *all5ge ,dr4 ,b>r[s to produce "o ^w express+ a recognition ( ,jehovah4 ,jehovah 0 to him1 n ! sublime/ ( realities1 n ! rul] ( nations1 b a hide\s phantom4 ,he recogniz$ a ,god1 b 8 ,god 0 n ,jehovah1 ! ,god ( ,dr4 ,b>r[s4 #b4 ,:5 he wrote 8 immortal ,proclamation1 he invok$ ^u x n only '! consid]ate judgm5t ( mank9d' b '! graci\s favor ( ,almighty ,god4' ,:5 he wrote 8 immortal ,proclamation he did n invoke ! graci\s favor ( ,almighty ,god4 ,?is in/rum5t1 z draft$ by ,l9coln1 conta9$ no allusion to ,god4 ,! p>agraph conta9+ ! words quot$ 0 draft$ by ,secret>y ,*ase & ins]t$ 9 ! ,proclamation at 8 urg5t reque/ aft] x 0 pr9t$ & ready = deliv]y4 #c4 ,:5 d>kness ga!r$ ov] ! brave armies fight+ = ! nation's life1 ?is /rong man1 9 ! e>ly morn+1 knelt & wre/l$ 9 pray] ) ,him :o holds 9 8 h& ! fate ( empires4 ,a ,*ri/ian lady f ,massa*usetts 7"n unkn[n71 & a ,*ri/ian g5tleman f ,new ,york 7,noah ,brooks71 decl>e t ,l9coln 0 accu/om$ to pray4 ,?is decl>ation is e*o$ by ,arnold1 & ree*o$ by ,b>r[s4 ,if true1 is x n /range t a hospital nurse & a newspap] report] 7 9 possession ( ! fact :ile 8 mo/ intimate fri5ds 7 entirely ignorant ( x8 #d4 ,:5 ! cl\ds lift$ above ! c>nage ( ,gettysburg1 he gave 8 he>t to ! ,"l ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,?is is ! fif? "t t ,l9coln gave 8 he>t to ,*ri/4 ,! above /atem5t is ! vital "o 9 ,dr4 ,b>r[s's te/imony--! key/one 9 ! ar* compris+ ! religi\s aspects ( ,l9coln's ,presid5tial c>e]4 ,! o!rs1 ev5 if true1 only prove a ,!i/ic belief4 ,?is /atem5t affirms t he became a ,*ri/ian--a /atem5t evid5tly bas$ ^u ! anonym\s /ory ( ! ,ill9ois cl]gyman4 ,betwe5 ! orig9al pres5t$ by ! ,ill9ois cl]gyman at l>ge1 & t pres5t$ by ! ,ill9ois cl]gyman f ,*icago1 h[ev]1 a grave discrepancy appe>s4 ,f ! "t t ! cl\ds lift$ above ! c>nage ( ,gettysburg to ! "t t ,l9coln visit$ its cemet]y1 a p]iod ( tw5ty weeks _h elaps$4 ,n[1 did ,l9coln give 8 he>t to ,*ri/ :5 ! battle end$ on ! #crd ( ,july1 z /at$ by ! "o1 or n until he /ood ^u ! battle-field on ! #ai? ( ,novemb]1 z ass]t$ by ! o!r8 ,?is is a "q t we leave = ! ,ill9ois cl]gym5 !mselves to decide4 #e4 ,:5 he pron\nc$ 8 mat*less oration on ! *ief battle-field ( ! w>1 he gave expression to ! resolve t '?is nation1 "u ,god1 %\ld h a new bir? ( fre$om4' ,?is simple ,dei/ic phrase1 "u ,god1 is ! only utt]ance ( a religi\s "* to be f\nd 9 t oration4 ,:5 ?is spee* 0 deliv]$1 ,l9coln1 x is claim$1 _h exp]i5c$ a *ange ( he>t1 & consecrat$ himself to ,*ri/4 ,?is address furni%es an ov]:elm+ refutation ( ! claim4 ,at ! d$ication ( a cemet]y1 surr\nd$ by ?\s&s ( graves1 he ignores ,*ri/ianity1 & ev5 ! doctr9e ( immortality4 #f4 ,& :5 he wrote 8 la/ ,inaugural ,address1 he gave to x ! l(ty tone ( an old ,hebrew psalm4 ,?is is true2 & x is likewise true t 9 t docum5t he made no m ref]5ce to ,*ri/ianity ?an did ! ,hebrew psalmi/ :o liv$ & wrote a ?\s& ye>s be=e x _h its bir?4 ,! ,l9coln ,memorial ,album1 9 :i* ,dr4 ,b>r[s's article appe>s1 conta9s ! (f]+s ( two hundr$ contributors1 tw5ty ( !m div9es1 & among !m ,lyman ,abbot1 ,dr4 ,bell[s1 ,!odore ,l4 ,cuyl]1 ,eob]t ,colly]1 ,bi%op ,coxe1 ,dr4 ,crosby1 ,bi%op ,hav51 ,philip ,s*aaf1 & ,bi%op ,simpson4 ,! "w is prefac$ ) a biographical sket* ( ,l9coln1 writt5 by ,isaac ,n4 ,arnold1 9 :i* he makes sub/antially ! same /atem5ts reg>d+ ,l9coln's belief z ^? made 9 8 ,life ( ,l9coln4 ,aside f ?is1 ,dr4 ,b>r[s is ! only "o ( ^! two hundr$ memoriali/s :o v5tures to affirm t ,l9coln 0 a ,*ri/ian4 ,! /ory ( ,dr4 ,v9ton1 too absurd to dem& s]i\s consid]ation--app>5tly too incr$ible = belief--is yet believ$ by ?\s&s4 ,:5 su* fabul\s tales are told by m5 :o are look$ ^u z ! expon5ts ( morality1 & publi%$ 9 pap]s & p]iodicals t are presum$ to be ! repositories only ( tru?1 x is n /range t su* /ories z ,wa%+ton's ,pray+ at ,valley ,=ge1 ,e?an ,all5 & ,8 ,daught]1 ,don't ,un*a9 ! ,tig]1 ,pa9e's ,recant+1 & a ?\s& & "o o!r pi\s fictions ( a simil> "*1 h ga9$ popul> cr$5ce4 ,to read ! fabrications ( ?is class p]ta9+ to ,l9coln alone1 "o w\ld suppose t ?is a/ute /atesman1 ?is ,*ief ,magi/rate ( a great nation1 ?is ,comm&]-9-,*ief ( two millions ( soldi]s1 engag$ 9 ! mo/ /up5d\s civil conflict ! _w has kn[n1 occupi$ ! great] portion ( 8 "t 9 /udy+ ! ,scriptures1 por+ ov] doctr9al s]mons1 p>ticipat+ 9 pray]-meet+s l$ by pi\s nurses1 & weep+ ^u ! necks ( cl]ical visitors4 ,bi%op ,simpson's rem>ks h be5 pres5t$1 n because !y furni% any pro(s ( ,l9coln's reput$ ,*ri/ianity1 b because he 0 "o ( ! cl]gym5 :o (ficiat$ at ,l9coln's fun]al1 & because 8 words on t occasion h be5 cit$ 9 support ( ?is claim4 ,b he does n ass]t t ,l9coln 0 a ,*ri/ian4 ,he simply te/ifies to 8 belief & tru/ 9 ,god--to 8 ,dei/ic fai?--no?+ m4 ,i am aw>e t 9 "s ( ! publi%$ reports ( 8 address !re h be5 int]polat$ words int5d$ to convey ! idea t ,l9coln accept$ ,*ri/4 ,bi%op ,simpson1 ,i am sure1 nev] au?oriz$ ! ins]tion ( ^! words4 ,!y express a claim he nev] made--a claim he c]ta9ly did n make on ! day ( ,l9coln's int]m5t4 ,9 8 fun]al address at ,wa%+ton1 ,dr4 ,gurley did n affirm t ,l9coln 0 a ,*ri/ian1 or t he 0 int5d+ to make a pr(ession ( religion4 ,bi%op ,simpson1 9 8 oration at ,spr+field1 made no m5tion ( ^! claims1 & ,dr4 ,gurley & ,bi%op ,simpson are kn[n to h held a consultation be=e t oration 0 deliv]$4 ,?is sil5ce is conclusive evid5ce t ^! m5 knew t ,l9coln 0 an unbeliev]4 ,comm5t+ on ?is notable omission1 ,mr4 ,h]ndon says3 ,bi%op ,simpson deliv]$ ! fun]al oration1 & 9 t oration !re 0 n "o ^w ab\t ,mr4 ,l9coln's ,*ri/ianity4 ,bi%op ,simpson 0 ,l9coln's fri5d2 ,dr4 ,gurley 0 ,l9coln's pa/or 9 ,wa%+ton1 ,n[ ^! m5 knew or _h reason to "k1 ,l9coln's religion1 & ! _w w\ld h he>d ( 8 ,*ri/ianity on ! day ( 8 burial if x _h be5 kn[n4 ,b ,simpson & ,gurley are sil5t--dumb be=e ! ,*ri/ian _w4 ,"o ( ! mo/ beautiful & exhau/ive tributes ev] paid to ,l9coln1 aside f ! mat*less tribute paid by ,colonel ,+]soll1 is t f ! p5 ( ,bi%op ,simpson :i* appe>s 9 ! ,l9coln ,memorial ,album4 ,9 ?is tribute he does n make ev5 ! remote/ allusion to ,l9coln's religi\s belief4 ,he appe>s to h he$$ ! advice t5d]$ a less discreet ,*ri/ian writ]1 & recogniz$ ! fact t1 f 8 /&po9t1 ! less said ab\t ! subject ! bett]4 ,_h all ,*ri/ians act$ z wisely & z honorably 9 ?is matt] z ,bi%op ,simpson1 ?is controv]sy ab\t ,l9coln's religion w\ld nev] h aris54 ,i h n[ review$ ! te/imony ( ^! witnesses4 ,te/$ 9 ! crucible ( hone/ criticism1 little rema9s ( _! /atem5ts save ! dross ( falsehood & error4 ,i may be *>g$ ) unju/ sev]ity t[>d ^! witnesses1 ne>ly all ( :om are m5 ( recogniz$ respectability & di/9ction4 ,b a majority ( !m h te/ifi$ to :at !y "k to be false1 & aga9/ ^? :o kn[+ly be> false witness no c5sure c be too sev]e4 ,?\s&s ( ,*ri/ian m5 & wom51 misl$ by ?is false te/imony1 hone/ly believe & cont5d t ,l9coln 0 a ,*ri/ian4 ,aga9/ ^! ,i h n an unk9d ^w to (f]4 ,b ,i am resolv$ to disabuse _! m9ds ( ?is errone\s belief4 ,pa9ful z ! bir? ( an unwelcome idea is1 !y %all "k ! tru?4 ,,*apt] ,v4 ,,te/imony ,,( ,,hon4 ,,william ,h4 ,,h]ndon--,,publi%$ ,,te/imony ,h]ndon's ,association ) ,l9coln--,"*--,writ+s-- ,compet5cy z a ,witness1--,! ,abbott ,lett]--,contribution to ! ,lib]al ,age--,article 9 ! ,tru? ,seek]--,h]ndon's ,life ( ,l9coln4 ,hav+ pres5t$ & review$ ! evid5ce 9 behalf ( ! affirmative ( ?is "q1 ! evid5ce 9 support ( ! negative w next be giv51 & 9 consid]ation ( 8 long & intimate association ) ,l9coln1 & ! "* & compreh5siv5ess ( 8 te/imony1 ! fir/ to te/ify w be ,hon4 ,wm4 ,h4 ,h]ndon1 ( ,spr+field1 ,ill4 ,9 #ahdc1 ,l9coln =m$ a p>tn]%ip ) ,mr4 ,h]ndon 9 ! law bus9ess1 :i* exi/$ = a p]iod ( tw5ty-two ye>s1 & 0 only dissolv$ by ! bullet ( ! assass94 ,! /rong atta*m5t t ^! m5 _h = ea* o!r is illu/rat$ 9 ! foll[+ t\*+ incid5t1 relat$ 9 ,! ,ev]yday ,life ( ,l9coln3 ,:5 he 0 ab\t to leave = ,wa%+ton1 he w5t to ! d+y little law (fice :i* _h %elt]$ 8 sadde/ h\rs4 ,he sat d[n on ! c\* & said to 8 law-p>tn]1 ,h]ndon1 ',billy1 y & ,i h be5 toge!r m ?an tw5ty ye>s1 & h nev] pass$ a ^w4 ,w y let my "n /ay on ! old sign till ,i come back f ,wa%+ton8' ,! te>s />t$ to ,mr4 ,h]ndon's eyes4 ,he put out 8 h&4 ',mr4 ,l9coln1' said he1 ',i w nev] h any o!r p>tn] :ile y live2' & to ! day ( ! assass9ation all ! do+s ( ! firm 7 9 ! "n ( ',l9coln ,h]ndon' 7,ev]yday ,life ( ,l9coln1 p4 #cgg74 ,mr4 ,h]ndon di$ 9 #ahia4 ,?\gh y\ng] ?an 8 illu/ri\s p>tn]1 he 0 at ! "t ( 8 dea? well advanc$ 9 ye>s4 ,he _h retir$ f ! active practice ( law1 & resid$ at 8 c\ntry home ne> ,spr+field4 ,he 0 not$ = 8 rugg$ hone/y1 = 8 broad philan?ropy1 & = 8 /rong & orig9al m5tal qualities4 ,he 0 "o ( ! pione]s 9 ! antislav]y movem5t1 & "o ( ! f\nd]s ( ! ,republican p>ty4 ,he 0 ! ,republican nom9ee = ,presid5tial ,elector ( ! ,spr+field di/rict :5 ! fir/ ,republican ticket1 ,fremont & ,dayton1 0 plac$ 9 ! field4 ,gov]nor ,bissell1 ,gov]nor ,yates & ,gov]nor ,oglesby successively appo9t$ him ,bank ,commission] ( ,ill9ois4 ,8 tal5ts 7 recogniz$ & 8 fri5d%ip 0 s\ght by _m ( ! mo/ em95t m5 9 ! nation4 ,g>rison /opp$ = weeks at 8 home2 ,!odore ,p>k] 0 8 gue/2 ,horace ,greeley 0 8 devot$ fri5d1 & ,*>les ,sumn] 0 8 fri5d & correspond5t4 ,:5 ,l9coln & ,h]ndon 7 fir/ ?r[n into ea* o!r's society1 ,l9coln's m9d 0 dwell+1 = ! mo/ "p1 9 ! !ological 7or r anti-!ological7 _w1 :ile ,h]ndon's f\nd a mo/ cong5ial habitation 9 ! _w ( politics4 ,!y 7 de/9$ to ex]cise an important influ5ce 9 mold+ ea* o!r's *>act]s4 ,h]ndon 0 indebt$ *iefly to ,l9coln = ! religi\s views he ent]ta9$1 :ile ,l9coln 0 indebt$ ma9ly to ,h]ndon = ! political pr9ciples :i* he f9ally esp\s$4 ,colonel ,lamon1 9 8 ,life ( ,l9coln1 gives ! foll[+ tru?ful sket* ( ! "* ( ! man :om ,l9coln made a ,dei/1 & :o 9 turn made an ,abolitioni/ ( ,l9coln4 ,allud+ to ! ,abolitioni/s ( ,ill9ois1 z !y appe>$ 9 #ahed1 :5 ,l9coln took 8 /& on ! side ( fre$om1 ,lamon says3 ,*ief among !m 0 ,ow5 ,lovejoy2 & second to him1 if second to any1 0 ,william ,h4 ,h]ndon4 ,b ! position ( ?is latt] g5tleman 0 "o ( s+ul> emb>rassm5t4 ,accord+ to himself1 he 0 an ,abolitioni/ '"s "t be=e he 0 born1' & hi!rto he _h made 8 'call+ & election sure' by e ^w & act ( a life devot$ to political philan?ropy & dis9t]e/$ political labors4 ,:ile ! two great national p>ties divid$ ! suffrages ( ! p1 ,nor? & ,s\?1 ev]y?+ 9 8 eyes 0 dead4 ,he dete/$ ! b>ga9s by :i* ^? p>ties 7 9 ! habit ( compos+ sectional tr\bles1 & sacrific+ ! pr9ciple ( fre$om4 ,:5 ! ,:ig p>ty paid its brea? to "t1 he look$ ^u its la/ agonies z b ano!r in/ance ( div9e retribution4 ,he _h no pati5ce ) "t-s]v]s1 & reg>d$ ) indignant contempt ! policy :i* w\ld po/pone ! natural rights ( an enslav$ race to ! success ( p>ties & politicians4 ,he /ood by at ! sacrifice ( ! ,:ig p>ty 9 ,ill9ois ) ! _s ( ,paul :5 he held ! clo!s ( !m t /on$ ,/eph54 ,he believ$ x 0 = ! be/1 & hop$ to see a new p>ty rise 9 its place1 great 9 ! f]vor ( its fai?1 & animat$ by ! _s ( ,wilb]=ce1 ,g>rison1 & ! ,lovejoys4 ,he 0 a fi]ce zealot1 & glori$ pr\dly 9 8 title ( 'fanatic2' = x 0 8 conviction t fanatics 7 at all times ! salt ( ! e>?1 ) p[] to save x f ! blight t foll[s ! wick$ness ( m54 ,he believ$ 9 a ,god1 b x 0 ! ,god ( ,nature--! ,god ( ,socrates & ,plato1 z well z ! ,god ( ,jacob4 ,he believ$ 9 a ,bible1 b x 0 ! op5 scroll ( ! univ]se2 & 9 a religion cle> & well def9$1 b x 0 a religion t scorn$ :at he deem$ ! n>r[ slav]y ( v]bal inspiration4 ,hot-blood$1 impulsive1 brave1 morally & physically1 c>eless ( consequ5ces :5 mov$ by a s5se ( individual duty1 he 0 ! v man to receive into 8 inmo/ he>t ! precepts ( ,mr4 ,sew>d's 'high] law' 7,life ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #cej1 #cea74 ,8 lit]>y abilities1 bo? z a speak] & z a writ]1 7 ( a high ord]4 ,he _h writt5 a m]itori\s "w on ,m5tal ,philosophy1 & a ,life ( ,l9coln1 :i* _h j be5 publi%$ :5 he di$4 ,9 addition to num]\s addresses ^u hi/orical1 economical1 & o!r subjects he prep>$ & deliv]$ sev]al able & int]e/+ lectures on ,l9coln3 ,abraham ,l9coln & ,ann ,rutl$ge1 a beautiful & t\*+ repres5tation ( t pa!tic & romantic love episode :i* =ms "o ( ! sadde/ *apt]s 9 ,l9coln's hi/ory2 ,! ,analysis ( ,l9coln's ,"*1 :i* appe>s 9 ! ,l9coln ,memorial ,album1 & ,l9coln's ,religion1 :i* 0 publi%$ 9 ! ,/ate ,regi/]1 ( ,spr+field1 ,ill4 ,c>p5t]1 & 9 fact ne>ly e writ] on ,l9coln1 has made free use ( ,h]ndon's writ+s4 ,c>p5t] decl>es t 8 ma/]ly ',analysis ( ,l9coln's ,"*' has sc>cely an equal 9 ! annals ( biographical lit]ature4 ,bo? ,holl& & ,lamon ackn[l$ge t !y 7 m deeply indebt$ to him 9 ! prep>ation ( _! respective works ?an to any o!r p]son4 ,! ,pet]sburg ,democrat1 publi%$ 9 ,m5>d c\nty1 :]e ,l9coln sp5t ! fir/ ye>s ( 8 manhood1 says3 ,mr4 ,h]ndon 0 ! law p>tn] ( ,mr4 ,l9coln f #ahdc to #ahfj1 & knew 8 inn] life bett] ?an any o!r man4 ,! ,sangamon c\nty ,monitor1 ( ,spr+field1 :]e ,l9coln liv$ = a qu>t] ( a c5tury1 says3 ,h]ndon knew ,l9coln's views bett] ?an any man 9 ,am]ica4 ,judge ,david ,davis1 ! lifelong fri5d ( ,l9coln1 9 ^: c\rt bo? ,l9coln & ,h]ndon practic$ = ye>s1 decl>$ t ,h]ndon knew m ab\t ,l9coln's religion ?an any o!r man4 ,9 ?is *apt] w be reproduc$ ! evid5ce ( ,mr4 ,h]ndon t has already be5 made public4 ,! fir/ elaborate exposition ( ,l9coln's ,free-?\ght views 0 made 9 #ahgj1 9 :at is kn[n z ! ,abbott ,lett]1 an article :i* ,mr4 ,h]ndon by reque/ contribut$ to ! ,index1 a pap] !n publi%$ at ,tol$o1 ,o41 & edit$ by ,francis ,e4 ,abbott4 ,! article 0 ext5sively copi$ & comm5t$ ^u1 & produc$ a pr(\nd s5sation 9 ! religi\s _w1 :i*1 to a great ext5t1 _h be5 misl$ by su* writ]s z ,holl&4 ,! fir/ & m important "p ( ,mr4 ,h]ndon's article w n[ be pres5t$3 ,mr4 ,abbott3 ,"s "t s9ce ,i promis$ y t ,i w\ld s5d a lett] 9 relation to ,mr4 ,l9coln's religion4 ,i d s n[4 ,be=e ent]+ on t "q1 "o or two prelim9>y rem>ks w help u to und]/& :y he disagre$ ) ! ,*ri/ian _w 9 its pr9ciples z well z 9 its !ology4 ,9 ! fir/ place1 ,mr4 ,l9coln's m9d 0 a purely logical m9d2 secondly1 ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 a purely practical man4 ,he _h no fancy or imag9ation1 & n mu* emotion4 ,he 0 a reali/ z oppos$ to an ideali/4 ,z a g5]al rule1 x is true t a purely logical m9d has n mu* hope1 if x ev] has fai? 9 ! unse5 & unkn[n4 ,mr4 ,l9coln _h n mu* hope & no fai? 9 ?+s t lie outside ( ! doma9 ( demon/ration2 he 0 s con/itut$1 s organiz$1 t he c\ld believe no?+ unless 8 s5ses or logic c\ld rea* x4 ,i h (t5 read to him a law po9t1 a decision1 or some?+ ,i fanci$4 ,he c\ld n und]/& x until he took ! book out ( my h&1 & read ! ?+ = himself4 ,he 0 t]ribly1 vexati\sly skeptical4 ,he c\ld sc>cely und]/& any?+1 unless he _h "t & place fix$ 9 8 m9d4 ,i became acqua9t$ ) ,mr4 ,l9coln 9 #ahcd1 & ,i ?9k ,i knew him well to ! day ( 8 dea?4 ,8 m9d1 :5 a boy 9 ,k5tucky1 %[$ a c]ta9 gloom1 an unsocial nature1 a peculi> ab/ract$ness1 a bold & d>+ skepticism4 ,9 ,indiana1 f #ahag to #ahcj1 x manife/$ ! same qualities or attributes z 9 ,k5tucky3 x only int5sifi$1 develop$ itself1 along ^? l9es 9 ,indiana4 ,he came to ,ill9ois 9 #ahcj1 &1 aft] "s little rov+1 settl$ 9 ,new ,salem1 n[ 9 ,m5>d c\nty & /ate ( ,ill9ois4 ,?is village lies ab\t tw5ty miles nor?we/ ( ?is city4 ,x 0 "h t ,mr4 ,l9coln became acqua9t$ ) a class ( m5 ! _w nev] saw ! l ( be=e or s9ce4 ,!y 7 l>ge m5--l>ge 9 body & l>ge 9 m9d2 h>d to :ip & nev] to be fool$4 ,!y 7 a bold1 d>+1 & reckless sort ( m52 !y 7 m5 ( _! own m9ds--believ$ :at 0 demon/rable2 7 m5 ( great common s5se4 ,) ^! m5 ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 ?r[n2 ) !m he liv$1 & ) !m he mov$ & almo/ _h 8 be+4 ,!y 7 skeptics all--sc(f]s "s4 ,^! sc(f]s 7 good m51 & _! sc(fs 7 prote/s aga9/ !ology--l\d prote/s aga9/ ! follies ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,!y _h nev] he>d ( ,!ism & ! new] & bett] religi\s ?\ghts ( ?is age4 ,h5ce1 be+ natural skeptics1 & be+ bold1 brave m51 !y utt]$ _! ?\ghts freely4 ,!y decl>$ t ,jesus 0 an illegitimate *ild4 ,!y 7 on all occasions1 :5 opportunity (f]$1 debat+ ! v>i\s que/ions ( ,*ri/ianity among !mselves4 ,!y took _! /& on common s5se & on _! own s\ls2 &1 ?\gh _! argum5ts 7 rude & r\gh1 no man c\ld ov]?r[ _! homely logic4 ,!y riddl$ all div9es1 & n unfrequ5tly made !m skeptics1 disbeliev]s z bad z !mselves4 ,!y 7 a jovial1 heal?ful1 g5]\s1 social1 true1 & manly set ( p4 ,x 0 "h & among ^! p t ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 ?r[n4 ,ab\t ! ye> #ahcd he *anc$ to come across ,volney's ',ru9s' & "s ( ,pa9e's !ological works4 ,he at once seiz$ hold ( !m1 & assimilat$ !m into 8 own be+4 ,volney & ,pa9e became a "p ( ,mr4 ,l9coln f #ahcd to ! end ( 8 life4 ,9 #ahce he wrote out a small "w on ,infidelity1 & int5d$ to h x publi%$4 ,?is book 0 an attack ^u ! :ole gr\nds ( ,*ri/ianity1 & especially 0 x an attack ^u ! idea t ,jesus 0 ! ,*ri/1 ! true & only-begott5 son ( ,god1 z ! ,*ri/ian _w cont5ds4 ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 at t "t 9 ,new ,salem1 keep+ /ore = ,mr4 ,samuel ,hill1 a m]*ant & po/ma/] ( t place4 ,l9coln & ,hill 7 v fri5dly4 ,hill1 ,i ?9k1 0 a skeptic at ?is "t4 ,l9coln1 "o day aft] ! book 0 f9i%$1 read x to ,mr4 ,hill1 8 good fri5d4 ,hill tri$ to p]suade him n to make x public1 n to publi% x4 ,hill at t "t saw 9 ,mr4 ,l9coln a ris+ man1 & wi%$ him success4 ,l9coln refus$ to de/roy x--said x %\ld be publi%$4 ,hill swore x %\ld nev] see light ( day4 ,he _h an eye on ,l9coln's popul>ity--8 pres5t & future success2 & believ+ t if ! book 0 publi%$ x w\ld kill ,l9coln =ev]1 he snat*$ x f ,l9coln's h& :5 ,l9coln 0 n expect+ x1 & ran x into an old-fa%ion$ t9plate /ove1 heat$ z hot z a furnace2 & s ,l9coln's book w5t up to ! cl\ds 9 smoke4 ,x is confess$ by all :o he>d p>ts ( x t x 0 at once able & eloqu5t2 &1 if ,i may judge ( x f ,mr4 ,l9coln's subsequ5t ideas & op9ions1 (t5 express$ to me & to o!rs 9 my pres5ce1 x 0 able1 /rong1 pla91 & fair4 ,8 argum5t 0 gr\nd$ on ! int]nal mi/akes ( ! ,old & ,new ,te/am5ts1 & on reason & on ! exp]i5ces & obs]vations ( m54 ,! criticisms f int]nal defects 7 %>p1 /rong1 & manly4 ,mr4 ,l9coln mov$ to ?is city 9 #ahcg1 & "h became acqua9t$ ) v>i\s m5 ( 8 own way ( ?9k+4 ,at t "t !y call$ !mselves ,free?9k]s1 or free ?9k+ m54 ,i rememb] all ^! ?+s di/9ctly2 = ,i 0 ) !m1 he>d !m1 & 0 "o ( !m4 ,mr4 ,l9coln "h f\nd o!r works--,hume1 ,gibbon1 & o!rs--& drank !m 94 ,he made no secret ( 8 views2 no concealm5t ( 8 religion4 ,he boldly av[$ himself an ,infidel4 ,:5 ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 a c&idate = our ,legislature1 he 0 accus$ ( be+ an ,infidel & ( hav+ said t ,jesus ,*ri/ 0 an illegitimate *ild4 ,he nev] d5i$ 8 op9ions nor fl9*$ f 8 religi\s views4 ,he 0 a true man1 & yet x may be tru?fully said t 9 #ahcg 8 religion 0 l[ inde$4 ,9 8 mom5ts ( gloom he w\ld d\bt1 if he did n sometimes d5y1 ,god4 ,mr4 ,l9coln ran = ,congress aga9/ ! ,rev4 ,pet] ,c>twright 9 ! ye> #ahdf4 ,9 t conte/ he 0 accus$ ( be+ an ,infidel1 if n an ,a!i/4 ,he nev] d5i$ ! *>ge--w\ld n--'w\ld die fir/4' ,9 ! fir/ place1 because he knew x c\ld & w\ld be prov$ on him2 & 9 ! second place1 he 0 too true to 8 own convictions1 to 8 own s\l1 to d5y x4 ,:5 ,mr4 ,l9coln left ?is city = ,wa%+ton1 ,i knew he _h und]gone no *ange 9 8 religi\s op9ions or views4 ,he held _m ( ! ,*ri/ian ideas 9 abhorr5ce1 & among !m !re 0 ?is "o1 namely1 t ,god w\ld =give ! s9n] = a violation ( 8 laws4 ,l9coln ma9ta9$ t ,god c\ld n =give2 t puni%m5t has to foll[ ! s92 t ,*ri/ianity 0 wrong 9 tea*+ =giv5ess4 ,f :at ,i "k ( ,mr4 ,l9coln1 & f :at ,i h he>d & v]ily believe1 ,i c say1 fir/1 t he did n believe 9 a special creation1 8 idea be+ t all creation 0 an evolution "u law2 secondly1 t he did n believe t ! ,bible 0 a special revelation f ,god1 z ! ,*ri/ian _w cont5ds2 ?irdly1 he did n believe 9 miracles z und]/ood by ,*ri/ians2 f\r?ly1 he believ$ 9 univ]sal inspiration & miracles "u law2 fif?ly1 he did n believe t ,jesus 0 ! ,*ri/1 ! son ( ,god1 z ! ,*ri/ian *ur* cont5ds2 six?ly1 he believ$ t all ?+s1 bo? matt] & m9d1 7 gov]n$ by laws1 univ]sal1 absolute1 & et]nal4 ,all 8 spee*es & rem>ks 9 ,wa%+ton conclusively prove ?is4 ,law 0 to ,l9coln ev]y?+1 & special int]f]5ces1 %ams & delusions4 ,9 #ahgd ,mr4 ,h]ndon deliv]$ 9 ,spr+field a lecture on ,l9coln's ,religion4 ,x 0 a reply to ,re$'s lecture1 & 0 publi%$ 9 ! ,/ate ,regi/]1 ( ,spr+field4 ,9 ?is lecture he reaffirms ! /atem5ts made 9 ! ,abbott ,lett]1 supports !m ) sub/antial argum5ts & pro(s1 & completely ov]?r[s ! claims advanc$ by ,re$4 ,f x ,i quote ! foll[+3 ,x is a curi\s fact t :5 any man by 8 g5ius1 good =tune1 or o!rwise rises to public notice & to fame1 x does n make mu* diff]5ce :at life he has l$1 t ! :ole ,*ri/ian _w claims him z a ,*ri/ian1 to be =ev] held up to view z a h]o & a sa9t dur+ all ! com+ ages1 j z if religion w\ld die out ( ! s\l ( man unless ! great dead be canoniz$ z a model ,*ri/ian4 ,?is is a species ( h]o or sa9t wor%ip4 ,l9coln !y are det]m9$ to en?rone among ! sa9ts1 to be =ev] wor%ip$ z su*4 ,i believe t ,mr4 ,l9coln did n late 9 life become a firm believ] 9 ! ,*ri/ian religion4 ,:at6 ,mr4 ,l9coln disc>d 8 logical faculties & reason ) 8 he>t8 ,:at6 ,mr4 ,l9coln believe t ,jesus 0 ! ,*ri/ ( ,god1 ! true & only begott5 son ( him1 z ! ,*ri/ian cre$ cont5ds8 ,:at6 ,mr4 ,l9coln believe t ! ,new ,te/am5t is ( special div9e au?ority1 & fully & infallibly inspir$1 z ! ,*ri/ian cont5ds8 ,:at6 ,mr4 ,l9coln ab&on 8 lifelong ideas ( univ]sal1 et]nal & absolute laws & cont5d t ! ,new ,te/am5t is any m inspir$ ?an ,hom]'s poems1 ?an ,milton's ',p>adise ,lo/1' ?an ,%aksp]e1 ?an 8 own eloqu5t & inspir$ oration at ,gettysburg8 ,:at6 ,mr4 ,l9coln believe t ! great ,creator _h connection ?r\gh ! =m & in/rum5tality ( a %ad[ ) a ,jewi% girl8 ,blasphemy6 ,^! ?+s mu/ be believ$ & ackn[l$g$ 9 ord] to be a ,*ri/ian4 ,"o ^w conc]n+ ?is discussion ab\t ,mr4 ,l9coln's religi\s views4 ,x is important 9 ?is3 #a4 ,x settles a hi/oric fact4 #b4 ,x makes x possible to write a true hi/ory ( a man free f ! fe> ( fire & /ake4 #c4 ,x assures ! read+ public t ! life ( ,mr4 ,l9coln w be truly writt54 #d4 ,x w be a w>n+ =ev] to all untrue m51 t ! life !y h liv$ w be held up to view4 #e4 ,x %\ld conv9ce ! ,*ri/ian pulpit & press t x is impossible 9 ?is day & g5]ation1 at lea/ 9 ,am]ica1 to daub up s91 & make a h]o out ( a fool1 a knave1 or a villa91 :i* ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 n4 ,"s true _s w drag ! fraud & lie out to ! light ( day4 #f4 ,its t5d5cy w be to arre/ & put a /op to romantic biographies4 ,& n[ let x be writt5 9 hi/ory1 & on ,mr4 ,l9coln's tomb3 ',he di$ an unbeliev]4' ,9 ,janu>y1 #ahhc1 ,mr4 ,h]ndon contribut$ an article on ,l9coln's ,religion to ! ,lib]al ,age1 ( ,milwaukee4 ,f ?is article ! foll[+ extracts are tak5 & submitt$3 ,9 #ahcg1 ,mr4 ,l9coln mov$ to ! city ( ,spr+field1 & !re came across _m p ( 8 own belief4 ,!y call$ !mselves at t "t ,free?9k]s4 ,"s ( ^! m5 7 highly educat$ & poli%$ g5tlem54 ,mr4 ,l9coln read 9 ?is city ,hume1 ,gibbon1 & o!r ,lib]al books4 ,he 0 9 ?is city f #ahcg to #ahfa1 an ,infidel--,free?9k]--,lib]al--,free ,religioni/--( ! radical type4 ,9 8 philosophy1 he 0 a reali/1 z oppos$ to an ideali/2 he 0 a s5sationali/1 z oppos$ to an intuitionali/2 & 0 a mat]iali/ z oppos$ to a spirituali/4 ,"s good m5 & wom5 say t ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 a ,*ri/ian1 because he 0 a moral man4 ,!y say t he 0 a rational ,*ri/ian1 because he lov$ morality4 ,d n o!r p1 :o are n ,*ri/ians1 love morality8 ,morality is n ! te/ ( ,*ri/ianity1 by any means4 ,if x is ! te/1 !n all moral m51 ,a!i/s1 ,agno/ics1 ,infidels1 ,mohamm$ans1 ,buddhi/s1 ,mormons1 & ! re/1 are ,*ri/ians4 ,a rational ,*ri/ian is an anomaly1 an impossibility2 because :5 reason is left free1 x dem&s pro(s--x relies on exp]i5ce1 obs]vation1 logic1 nature1 laws4 ,:y n call ,mr4 ,l9coln a rational ,buddhi/1 a rational ,mohamm$an1 a rational ,confucian1 a rational ,mormon1 = all ^!1 if true to _! fai?1 love morality4 ,did ,mr4 ,l9coln believe 9 pray] z a means ( mov+ ,god8 ,x is said to me by ,*ri/ians1 t\*+ 8 religion3 ',did n he1 9 8 p>t+ spee* 9 ,spr+field1 9 #ahfa1 say1 ,i hope y1 my fri5ds1 w pray t ,i may receive1 etc48' & to :i* ,i say1 yes4 ,9 8 la/ ,inaugural he said3 ',fondly d we hope1 f]v5tly d we pray4' ,^! expressions are m]ely conv5tional4 ,!y d n prove t ,mr4 ,l9coln believ$ t pray] is a means ( mov+ ,god4444 ,he believ$1 z ,i und]/ood him1 t human pray] did ! pray] good2 t pray] 0 b a drum beat--! taps ( ! _s on ! liv+ human s\l1 ar\s+ x to acts ( rep5tance = bad de$s done1 or to inspire x to a l(ti] & a high] ef=t = a nobl] & a gr&] life4 ,did ,mr4 ,l9coln1 9 8 said ,inaugural1 say3 ',bo? read ! same ,^w ( ,god8' ,no1 because t w\ld be admitt+ revelation4 ,he said3 ',bo? read ! same ,bible' ,did ,mr4 ,l9coln say3 ',yet if ,god wills t x ! w> cont9ue till all ! weal? pil$ by ! bondman's two hundr$ & fifty ye>s ( unrequit$ toil %all be sunk1 & until e drop ( blood drawn by ! la% %all be paid ) ano!r drawn by ! sword1 z 0 said by ,god ?ree ?\s& ye>s ago8' ,he did n2 he 0 cauti\s1 & said3 ',z 0 said ?ree ?\s& ye>s ago4' ,jove nev] nods4 ,a little lat] ,mr4 ,h]ndon wrote an article entitl$1 ,abraham ,l9coln's ,religi\s ,belief1 :i* appe>$ 9 ! ,tru? ,seek] ( ,new ,york4 ,f ?is article ,i quote ! foll[+ passages3 ,9 #ahdb ,i he>d ,mr4 ,l9coln deliv] a spee* be=e ! ,wa%+tonian ,temp]ance ,society1 ( ?is city4444 ,he scor$ ! ,*ri/ians = ! position !y _h tak54 ,he said 9 t lecture ?is3 ',if !y ! ,*ri/ians believe1 z !y pr(ess--t ,omnipot5ce condesc5d$ to take on himself ! =m ( s9ful man1' etc4 ,?is 0 spok5 ) en]gy4 ,he scornfully & contemptu\sly emphasiz$ ! words z !y pr(ess4 ,! rebuke 0 z mu* 9 ! mann] ( utt]ance z 9 ! sub/ance ( :at 0 said4 ,i he>d ! criticisms ( "s ( ! ,*ri/ians t night4 ,!y said ! spee* 0 an insult & an outrage4 ,x is my op9ion t no man ev] he>d ,mr4 ,l9coln pray1 9 ! true evangelical s5se ( t ^w4 ,8 philosophy is aga9/ all human pray]1 z a means ( rev]s+ ,god's decrees4 ,he has told me (t5 t !re 0 no fre$om 9 ! human w1 & no puni%m5t beyond ?is _w4 ,he d5i$ ,god's high] law1 & wrote on ! m>g9 ( a newspap] to 8 fri5ds 9 ! ,*icago conv5tion 9 #ahfj1 ?is3 ',l9coln agrees ) ,sew>d 9 8 irrepressible-conflict idea2 b he is oppos$ to ,sew>d's high] law' ,?is pap] 0 h&$ to ,judge ,davis1 ,judge ,logan1 & o!r fri5ds4 ,mr4 ,l9coln & a m9i/]1 ^: "n is kept 9 ! d>k1 _h a conv]sation ab\t religion4 ,x appe>s t ,mr4 ,l9coln said t :5 8 son--bone ( 8 bone1 fle% ( 8 fle%1 & blood ( 8 own he>t--di$1 ?\gh a sev]e affliction1 x did n ar\se him to ?9k ( ,*ri/2 b :5 he saw ! graves ( s _m soldi]s--/rang]s to him--444 t sad sight ar\s$ him to love ,jesus4444 ,x is a f9e ?+ = ! reputation ( ! ',ill9ois ,cl]gyman' t 8 "n is to ! _w unkn[n4 ,x is a mo/ he>tless ?+1 ?is suppos$ conv]sation ( ,l9coln ) ! ,ill9ois cl]gyman4 ,:at6 ,l9coln feel m = ! graves ( /rang]s ?an = ! dea? ( 8 once liv+1 lov+1 & lovable son1 n[ dead1 mold]+ to a%es 9 ! sil5t tomb6 ,! *>ge is b>b>\s4 ,to make ,l9coln a lov] ( ,jesus1 :om he once ridicul$1 ?is m9i/] makes him a savage4 ,i wi% to give an illu/ration ( ! unc]ta9ty & unreliability ( ^? loose ?+s t float ar\nd 9 ! newspap]s ( ! day1 & h[ liable ?+s are to be inaccurate--s made ev5 by ! be/ ( m54 ,mr4 ,l9coln on ! morn+ he />t$ = ,wa%+ton to take ! oa? ( (fice1 & be inaugurat$ ,presid5t ( ?is great ,republic1 gave a %ort f>ewell address to 8 old fri5ds4 ,x 0 eloqu5t & t\*+4 ,t spee* is copi$ 9 ,holl&'s ',life ( ,l9coln1' 9 ,arnold's ',l9coln & ,slav]y1' & 9 ,lamon's ',life ( ,l9coln1' & no two are exactly alike4 ,if x is h>d to get ! exact tru? on su* an occasion z ?is1 h[ impossible is x to get at ,mr4 ,l9coln's say+s :i* h be5 writt5 out by m5 weeks & mon?s aft] :at he did say h pass$ by6 ,all ^! loose & fooli% ?+s t ,mr4 ,l9coln is suppos$ to h said are l ! cords ( driftwood1 float+ on ! bosom ( ! great ,mississippi1 d[n to ! great gulf (--,=getfulness4 ,let !m g4 ,h]ndon's ,life ( ,l9coln1 is a mo/ important contribution to biographical lit]ature4 ,x w enable ! pres5t & future g5]ations to become bett] acqua9t$ ) ,l9coln ! man ?an ) any o!r prom95t ,am]ican4 ,! au?or has p]=m$ sub/antially ! same "w = ,l9coln t ,boswell p]=m$ = ,johnson2 only he has p]=m$ x m fai?fully4 ,political p>tisans & religi\s bigots may condemn ! "w1 b imp>tial critics are almo/ unanim\s 9 _! praise ( x4 ,! metropolitan j\rnals ( ,l9coln's & ,h]n-don's own /ate comm5d ! "w4 ,! ,*icago ,tribune says3 ,all ^! lov+ adh]5ts ( ,l9coln w hail ,h]ndon's ',l9coln' ) unmix$1 unb\nd$ joy4 ,! ,*icago ,times says3 ,h]ndon's ',life' is ! be/ yet writt54 ,! ,int] ,ocean says t ,h]ndon knew m ( ,l9coln's inn] life ?an any liv+ man4 ,! ,*icago ,h]ald says3 ,x enables "o to approa* m closely to ! great ,presid5t4 ,! ,*icago ,ev5+ ,j\rnal says3 ,x pres5ts a tru?ful & liv+ picture ( ! greate/ ( ,am]icans4 ,! ,nation ?us ref]s to x3 ,! s9c]ity & hone/y ( ! biograph] appe> on e page4 ,! ,new ,york ,sun says3 ,! m>ks ( unfl9*+ v]acity are pat5t 9 e l9e4 ,! ,wa%+ton ,capital says t x places ,l9coln be=e ! _w z he really 04 ,! ,comm]cial ,gazette1 ( ,c9c9nati1 says3 ,he describes ! life ( 8 fri5d ,l9coln j z he saw x4 ,! ,morn+ ,call1 ( ,san ,francisco1 affirms t x conta9s ! only true hi/ory ( ! lam5t$ ,presid5t4 ,! ,/4 ,l\is ,republic says3 ,x w d m to %ape ! judgm5t ( po/]ity on ,mr4 ,l9coln's "* ?an all t has be5 writt5 or w be h]eaft] writt54 ,9 ?is "w ,mr4 ,h]ndon /ates 9 brief ! sub/ance ( ! articles already quot$ 9 ?is *apt]4 ,i quote z foll[s3 ,no man _h a /rong] or firm] fai? 9 ,provid5ce--,god--?an ,mr4 ,l9coln1 b ! cont9u$ use by him late 9 life ( ! ^w ,god mu/ n be int]pret$ to mean t he believ$ 9 a p]sonal ,god4 ,9 #ahed he ask$ me to erase ! ^w ,god f a spee* :i* ,i _h writt5 & read to him = criticism1 because my language indicat$ a p]sonal ,god1 :]eas he insi/$ t no su* p]sonality ev] exi/$ 7,life ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #dde1 #ddf74 ,! _w has always insi/$ on mak+ an or?odox ,*ri/ian ( him1 & to analyze 8 language or s\nd 8 belief is b to break ! idol 7,ibid74 ,! b5evol5ce ( 8 impulses1 ! s]i\sness ( 8 convictions1 & ! nobility ( 8 "*1 are evid5ces unimpea*able t 8 s\l 0 ev] fill$ ) ! exalt$ purity & ! sublime fai? ( natural religion 7,ib474 ,,*apt] ,,vi4 ,,te/imony ,,( ,,hon4 ,,william ,h4 ,,h]ndon--,,unpubli%$ ,,te/imony ,extracts f ,h]ndon's ,lett]s--,! ,books ,l9coln ,read--,8 ,philosophy--,8 ,infidelity--,refutation ( ,*ri/ian ,claims-- ,attempts to ,invalidate ,h]ndon's ,te/imony--,re$'s ,calumnies--,v9dication4 ,9 ! prec$+ *apt] has be5 submitt$ ! evid5ce ( ,mr4 ,h]ndon t has already be5 publi%$4 ,9 ?is *apt] w be pres5t$ "s hi!rto unpubli%$ te/imony4 ,! writ] correspond$ ) ,mr4 ,h]ndon = _m ye>s4 ,mu* ( ?is correspond5ce relat$ to ,abraham ,l9coln1 & no inconsid]able portion ( x to ! subject "u consid]ation4 ,p]mission 0 grant$ by ,mr4 ,h]ndon to use su* p>ts ( ?is correspond5ce z may be deem$ ( value4 ,! limits ( ?is "w preclude ! pres5tation ( mu* t is really int]e/+1 b no apology is ne$$ = devot+ space to ! foll[+ extracts f 8 lett]s1 writt5 at v>i\s int]vals betwe5 #ahhj & #ahij3 ,i 0 ! p]sonal fri5d ( ,mr4 ,l9coln f #ahcd to ! day ( 8 dea?4 ,9 #ahdc we ent]$ into a p>tn]%ip :i* 0 nev] =mally dissolv$4 ,:5 he became unpopul> 9 ?is ,congressional di/rict because ( 8 spee*es on ! ,mexican w>1 ,i 0 fai?ful to him4 ,:5 he esp\s$ ! antislav]y cause & 9 ! eyes ( mo/ m5 _h hopelessly ru9$ 8 political prospects1 ,i /ood by him1 & ?r\gh ! press def5d$ 8 c\rse4 ,9 ^! d>k h\rs1 by our unity ( s5tim5t & by political o/racism we 7 driv5 to a close & endur+ fri5d%ip4 ,y %\ld take x = grant$1 !n1 t ,i knew ,mr4 ,l9coln well4 ,dur+ all ?is "t1 f #ahcd to #ahfb1 :5 ,i la/ saw him1 he nev] intimat$ to me1 ei!r directly or indirectly1 t he _h *ang$ 8 religi\s op9ions4 ,_h he done s--_h he let drop "o ^w or look 9 t direction1 ,i %\ld h detect$ x4 ,i _h an excell5t private libr>y1 probably ! be/ 9 ! city = admir$ books4 ,to ?is libr>y ,mr4 ,l9coln _h1 z a matt] ( c\rse1 full & free access at all times4 ,i pur*as$ su* books z ,locke1 ,kant1 ,fi*te1 ,lewes2 ,sir ,wm4 ,hamilton's ',discussions on ,philosophy2' ,sp5c]'s ',fir/ ,pr9ciples1' ',social ,/atics1' etc42 ,buckle's ',hi/ory ( ,civilization1' & ,lecky's ',hi/ory ( ,rationalism4' ,i also possess$ ! works ( ,p>k]1 ,pa9e1 ,em]son1 & ,/rauss2 ,gregg's ',cre$ ( ,*ri/5dom1' ,mc,naught on ,inspiration1 ,volney's ',ru9s1' ,feu]ba*'s ',ess5ce ( ,*ri/ianity1' & o!r works on ,infidelity4 ,mr4 ,l9coln read "s ( ^! works4 ,ab\t ! ye> #ahdc he borr[$ ',! ,ve/iges ( ,creation' ( ,mr4 ,james ,w4 ,keys1 ( ?is city1 & read x c>efully4 ,he subsequ5tly read ! six? edition ( ?is "w1 :i* ,i loan$ him4 ,mr4 ,l9coln _h always d5i$ special creation1 b f 8 want ( education he did n "k j :at to believe4 ,he adopt$ ! progressive & developm5t !ory z taught m or less directly 9 t "w4 ,he despis$ speculation1 especially 9 ! metaphysical _w4 ,he 0 purely a practical man4 ,he adopt$ ,locke's notions z 8 sy/em ( m5tal philosophy1 ) "s modifications to suit 8 own views4 ,he held t reason drew h] inf]5ces z to law1 etc41 f obs]vation1 exp]i5ce1 & reflection on ! facts & ph5om5a ( nature4 ,he 0 a pure s5sationali/1 except z above4 ,he 0 a mat]iali/ 9 8 philosophy4 ,he d5i$ dualism1 & at times immortality 9 any s5se4 ,be=e ,i wrote my ,abbott lett] ,i dilig5tly se>*$ ?r\gh ,l9coln's lett]s1 spee*es1 /ate pap]s1 etc41 to f9d ! ^w immortality1 & ,i c\ld n f9d x any:]e except 9 8 lett] to 8 fa!r4 ,! ^w immortality appe>s b once 9 8 writ+s4 ,if he _h be5 ask$ ! pla9 "q1 ',d y "k t a ,god exi/s8' he w\ld h said3 ',i d n "k t a ,god exi/s4' ,at "o mom5t ( 8 life ,i "k t he 0 an ,a!i/4 ,i 0 prep>+ a spee* on ,kansas1 & 9 x1 l ne>ly all re=m]s1 ,i invok$ ,god4 ,he made me wipe out t ^w & sub/itute ! ^w ,mak]1 affirm+ t said ,mak] 0 a pr9ciple ( ! univ]se4 ,:5 he w5t to ,wa%+ton he did ! same to a fri5d !re4 ,mr4 ,l9coln told me1 ov] & ov]1 t man has no fre$om ( w1 or1 z he t]m$ x1 ',no man has a fre$om ( m9d4' ,he 0 9 "o s5se a fatali/1 & s di$4 ,he believ$ t he 0 "u ! ?umb ( ,provid5ce 7:i* to him 0 b ano!r "n = fate74 ,! long] he liv$ ! m firmly he believ$ x1 & h5ce 8 invocations ( ,god4 ,b ^! invocations are no evid5ce to a rational m9d t he adopt$ ! blasphemy t ,god s$uc$ 8 own daught]1 begat a son on purpose to h mank9d kill him1 9 ord] t he1 ,god1 might become reconcil$ to 8 own mi/akes1 accord+ to ! ,*ri/ian view4 ,l9coln w\ld wait pati5tly on ! fl[ & logic ( ev5ts4 ,he believ$ t conditions make ! man & n man ! conditions4 ,"u 8 own h& he says3 ',i attempt no complim5t to my own sagacity4 ,i claim n to h control$ ev5ts1 b confess pla9ly t ev5ts h control$ me4' ,he believ$ 9 ! supreme reign ( law4 ,?is law fat$ ?+s1 z he w\ld express x4 ,n[1 h[ c\ld a man be a ,*ri/ian--c\ld believe t ,jesus ,*ri/ 0 ,god--c\ld believe 9 ! efficacy ( pray]--& ent]ta9 su* a belief8 ,he did n believe 9 ! efficacy ( pray]1 al?\gh he us$ t conv5tional language4 ,he said 9 ,wa%+ton1 ',god has 8 own purposes4' ,if ,god has 8 own purposes1 !n pray] w n *ange ,god's purposes4 ,i h (t5 said to y1 & n[ repeat x1 t ,l9coln 0 a sci5tific ,mat]iali/1 i4e41 t ?is 0 8 t5d5cy z oppos$ to ! ,spirituali/ic idea4 ,l9coln always cont5d$ t g5]al & univ]sal laws rul$ ! univ]se--always did--d n[--& ev] w4 ,he 0 an ,agno/ic g5]ally1 sometimes an ,a!i/4 ,t ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 an ,infidel f #ahcd to #ahfa1 ,i "k1 & t he rema9$ "o to ! day ( 8 dea?1 ,i hone/ly believe4 ,i always und]/ood t he 0 an ,infidel1 sometimes bord]+ on ,a!ism4 ,i nev] saw any *ange 9 ! man1 & ! *ange c\ld n h escap$ my obs]vation _h x happ5$4 ,l9coln's task 0 a t]rible "o4 ,:5 he took ! oa? ( (fice 8 s\l 0 b5t on secur+ h>mony among all ! p ( ! ,nor?1 & s he *ose = 8 ,cab9et (fic]s 8 oppon5ts = ! ,presid5tial c&idacy 9 ord] & z a means ( creat+ a unit$ ,nor?4 ,he let all p>ties1 pr(essions1 & call+s h _! way :]e _! wi%es did n cut across 8 own4 ,he 0 app>5tly pliant & supple4 ,he rul$ m5 :5 m5 ?\ght !y 7 rul+ him4 ,he (t5 said to me t ! ,*ri/ian religion 0 a dang]\s elem5t to deal ) :5 ar\s$4 ,he saw 9 ! ,kansas affairs--9 ! :ole hi/ory ( slav]y1 9 fact--its rigor & encroa*m5ts1 t ,*ri/ianity 0 ar\s$4 ,x mu/ be control$1 & t 9 ! "r direction4 ,h5ce he b5t to x1 f$ x1 & kept x )9 b\nds1 well kn[+ t x w\ld cru% 8 adm9i/ration to atoms unless appeas$4 ,8 (t & (t invocations ( ,god1 8 conv]sations ) ,*ri/ians1 8 app>5t respect = ,*ri/ianity1 etc41 7 all means to an end4 ,& yet sometimes he %[$ t he hat$ its nasal :9es4 ,a g5tleman ( v]acity 9 ,wa%+ton told me ?is /ory & v\*$ = its tru?fulness3 ',a tall saddle-fac$ man1' said he1 'came to ,wa%+ton to pray ) ,l9coln1 hav+ decl>$ ?is to be 8 int5tion at ! hotel ,ab\t #aj o'clock ,a4,m4 ! bloodless man1 dress$ 9 black ) :ite cravat1 w5t to ! ,:ite ,h\se1 s5t 9 8 c>d1 & 0 admitt$4 ,l9coln glanc$ at ! man & knew 8 motives 9 an in/ant4 ,he said to him angrily3 ,:at1 h y1 too1 come to torm5t me ) y\r pray]s8 ,! man 0 squel*$--said1 ,no1 ,mr4 ,l9coln--li$ out & out4 ,l9coln spoil$ ^? pray]s4' ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 ?\ght to be und]/ood by ! mob4 ,b :at a delusion6 ,he 0 "o ( ! mo/ retic5t m5 t ev] liv$4 ,all ( u--,/u>t1 ,spe$1 ,logan1 ,ma!ny1 myself1 & o!rs1 _h to guess at mu* ( ! man4 ,he 0 a my/]y to ! _w--a sph9x to mo/ m54 ,"o peculi>ity ( ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 8 irritability :5 anyone tri$ to peep into 8 own m9d's laboratory4 ,consid]+ all ?is1 :at c be ?\ght ( ! /ories ab\t :at he is said to h confid$ to /rang]s 9 reg>d to 8 religion8 ,n "o ( ,l9coln's old acqua9tances 9 ?is city ev] he>d ( 8 conv]sion to ,*ri/ianity by ,dr4 ,smi? or anyone else4 ,x 0 nev] sugge/$ nor ?\ght ( "h until aft] 8 dea?4 ,i nev] saw him read a second ( "t 9 ,dr4 ,smi?'s book on ,infidelity4 ,he ?rew x d[n ^u our table--spit ^u x z x 7--& nev] op5$ x to my k4 ,my op9ion is1 f :at ,i h he>d & "k1 t ^! m5--,gurley & ,simpson--refus$ to be a p>ty to a fraud on ! public t\*+ ,l9coln's religion4 ,i ?9k t !y und]/ood ea* o!r ! day t ! rema9s ( ,l9coln 7 put to re/4 ,holl& came into my (fice1 9 #ahfe1 & ask$ me ?is "q3 ',:at ab\t ,mr4 ,l9coln's ,*ri/ianity8' ,to ?is1 ,i repli$3 ',! less said ab\t x ! bett]4' ,holl& !n said to me1 ',oh1 nev] m9d1 ,i'll fix t1' & w5t ov] to ,bateman & _h x fix$4 ,l9coln nev] reveal$ to ,judge ,davis1 ,judge ,ma!ny1 ,jo%ua ,f4 ,spe$1 ,joseph ,gillespie1 nor myself t he 0 a ,*ri/ian1 or t he _h a *ange ( he>t1 or any?+ l x1 at any "t4 ,n[1 tak+ into consid]ation ! fact t he 0 "o ( ! mo/ non-communicative ( m5--t ,bateman 01 z x 71 a m]e /rang] to him--t ,bateman 0 fright5$1 excit$1 consci5ce-smitt5 :5 ,i approa*$ him on ! subject1 & t 9 aft] ye>s he confess$ to me t 8 notes 9 ,holl&'s ',life ( ,l9coln' 7 color$--tak+ all ?is into consid]ation1 ,i say1 c y believe ,bateman's /ory to be true8 ,i see quot$ frequ5tly a suppos$ spee* made by ,mr4 ,l9coln to ! color$ p ( ,baltimore1 on ! pres5tation1 ( a ,bible to him4 ,?is suppos$ spee* conta9s ! foll[+3 ',all ! good f ! ,savior ( ! _w is communicat$ to u ?r\gh ?is book4' ,?is idea is false & fooli%4 ,:at becomes ( n9e-t5?s ( ! life ( ,jesus ( :i* we h no hi/ory--n9e-t5?s ( ! great facts ( ?is gr& man's life n record$ 9 ?is book8 ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 full & exact 9 8 language4 ,he nev] us$ ! ^w ,savior1 unless 9 a conv5tional s5se2 9 fact1 he nev] us$ ! ^w at all4 ,aga91 he is made to say3 ',b = ?is book we c\ld n "k "r f wrong4' ,! l[e/ organiz$ life1 ,i 0 ab\t to say1 kn[s "r f wrong 9 its p>ticul> sph]e4 ,e good dog t comes into possession ( a bone1 kn[s t t bone belongs to him1 & he kn[s t x is wrong = ano!r dog to rob him ( x4 ,he prote/s ) bri/l+ hair & gli/5+ tee? aga9/ su* dog robb]y4 ,x requires no revelation to tea* him "r f wrong 9 ! dog _w2 yet x requires a special revelation f ,god to tea* u "r f wrong 9 ! human _w4 ,accord+ to ?is spee*1 ! dog has ! advantage4 ,b ,mr4 ,l9coln nev] utt]$ su* nons5se4 ,i d ?9k t anyone :o knew ,mr4 ,l9coln--8 hi/ory--8 philosophy--8 op9ions--& /ill ass]ts t he 0 a ,*ri/ian1 is an unb\nd$ falsifi]4 ,i hate to speak ?us pla9ly1 b ,i _c respect an untru?ful man4 ,let me ask ! ,*ri/ian claimant a few que/ions4 ,d y mean to say1 :5 y ass]t t ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 a ,*ri/ian1 t he believ$ t ,jesus 0 ! ,*ri/ ( ,god1 z ! evangelical _w cont5ds8 ,if s1 :]e d y get y\r in=mation8 ,d y mean to say t ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 a conv]t$ man & t he s decl>$8 ,if s1 :]e1 :51 & be=e :om did he decl>e or reveal x8 ,d y mean to say t ,mr4 ,l9coln jo9$ a *ur*8 ,if s1 :at *ur* did he jo91 & :5 did he jo9 x8 ,d y mean to say t ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 a secret ,*ri/ian1 act+ "u ! cloak ( ! devil to advance ,*ri/ianity8 ,if s1 :at is y\r au?ority8 ,if y w tell me :5 x 0 t ! ,creator caught ) 8 almighty arms1 ,abraham1 & held him fa/ :ile he p\r$ ! oil ( grace on 8 rebelli\s s\l1 !n ,i w "k-:5 x 0 t he 0 conv]t$ f 8 ,infidel views to ,*ri/ianity4 ,! be/ evid5ce ?is side ( ,l9coln's own writt5 /atem5t t he 0 an ,infidel1 if n an ,a!i/1 z claim$ by "s1 is ! fact t he nev] m5tions ! "n ( ,jesus4 ,if he 0 a ,*ri/ian x c\ld be prov$ by 8 lett]s & spee*es4 ,t man is a poor def5d] ( a pr9ciple1 ( a p]son1 or ( a ?+1 :o nev] m5tions t pr9ciple1 p]son1 or ?+4 ,i h nev] se5 ! "n ( ,jesus m5tion$ by ,mr4 ,l9coln4 ,mr4 ,l9coln nev] m5tion$ ! "n ( ,*ri/ 9 8 lett]s & spee*es z a ,*ri/ian4 ,i h se>*$ = su* evid5ce1 b c\ld n f9d x4 ,i h _h o!rs se>*1 b !y c\ld n f9d x4 ,?is dead sil5ce on ! "p ( ,mr4 ,l9coln is ov]:elm+ pro( t he 0 an unbeliev]4 ,:ile ,l9coln frequ5tly1 9 a conv5tional way1 appeals to ,god1 he nev] appeals to ,*ri/ nor m5tions him4 ,i "k t he at fir/ ma9ta9$ t ,jesus 0 a ba/>d1 & lat] t he 0 ! son ( ,joseph & n ( ,god4 ,l9coln 0 n a ,*ri/ian 9 any s5se o!r ?an t he liv$ a good life & 0 a noble man4 ,if a good life con/itutes "o a ,*ri/ian1 !n ,mill & a million o!r m5 :o repudiat$ & d5i$ ,*ri/ianity 7 ,*ri/ians1 = !y liv$ good & noble lives4 ,if ,mr4 ,l9coln *ang$ 8 religi\s views he ow$ x to me to w>n me1 z he above all o!r m5 caus$ me to be an unbeliev]4 ,he said no?+ to me1 intimat$ no?+ to me1 ei!r directly or indirectly4 ,he ow$ ?is debt to _m "y m5 :om he _h l$ a/ray1 if a/ray ! ,*ri/ian calls x4 ,i "k ( two "y m5 ( promise1 n[ dead & gone--gone into endless mis]y1 accord+ to ! evangelical cre$--caus$ by ,mr4 ,l9coln's tea*+s4 ,i "k "s ( ! liv+ "h1 m5 9 prom95t positions ( life1 :o 7 made unbeliev]s by him4 ,"o by "o1 ^! apocryphal /ories g by ! bo>d4 ,c\rage\s & remorseless criticism w wipe out all ^! ?+s4 ,!re w n be a ve/ige ( !m 9 fifty ye>s to laugh at or to weep at4 ,mr4 ,h]ndon's te/imony1 ev5 9 ! abs5ce ( all o!r evid5ce1 is conclusive4 ,?is 0 recogniz$ by ! ,*ri/ian claimants aft] ! appe>ance ( 8 ,abbott ,lett]4 ,!y employ$ v>i\s measures to break ! =ce ( 8 te/imony by try+ to induce him ei!r to retract or modify 8 /atem5ts4 ,b !y 7 n successful4 ,he 0 n to be coax$1 he 0 n to be pur*as$1 he 0 n to be intimidat$4 ,he _h /at$ ! tru? & by ! tru? he propos$ to /&4 ,foil$ 9 ^! ef=ts1 _! la/ resort 0 to de/roy 8 cr$ibility z a witness by de/roy+ 8 "*4 ,! mo/ braz5 falsehoods 7 inv5t$ & ! mo/ cruel calumnies circulat$ 9 ord] to cru% him4 ,"s ( ^! /at$ t he 0 a drunk>d1 o!rs t he 0 a paup]1 & /ill o!rs t he _h become insane4 ,^! defamatory /atem5ts 7 usually fir/ notic$ 9 "s religi\s pap] or p]iodical4 ,f ?is !y 7 naturally copi$ into ! secul> pap]s & s5t broadca/ ov] ! l&4 ,j\rnali/s :o _h once kn[n ,mr4 ,h]ndon1 ei!r p]sonally or by reputation1 7 surpris$ & %ock$ at ! ann\ncem5ts1 & wrote articles l ! foll[+ :i* appe>$ 9 a ,kansas pap]3 ,bill ,h]ndon is a paup] 9 ,spr+field1 ,ill4 ,he 0 once wor? consid]able prop]ty4 ,8 m9d 0 ! mo/ argum5tative ( any ( ! old lawy]s 9 ! /ate1 & 8 memory 0 extraord9>y4 ,= sev]al ye>s be=e ,l9coln 0 nom9at$ = ! ,presid5cy1 ,h]ndon 0 9 "s respects ! mo/ active memb] ( ! firm1 prep>+ ! greate/ numb] ( cases = trial & mak+ elaborate argum5ts 9 _! behalf4 ,x is said t he work$ h>d ) ,l9coln 9 prep>+ ! memorable spee*es deliv]$ by ! man :o aft]w>d became ,presid5t1 dur+ ! debates betwe5 ,l9coln & ,d\glas 9 #aheh1 & 9 con/ruct+ ! ,coop] ,in/itute address deliv]$ by ,l9coln a %ort "t be=e ! w>4 ,h]ndon1 ) all 8 atta9m5ts1 0 a man :o n[ & !n w5t on a spree4 ,?is habit became worse aft] ,l9coln's dea?1 &1 l poor ,dick ,yates1 he w5t d[n /ep by /ep till 8 old fri5ds & associates po9t to him z a common drunk>d4 ,i 0 9 ,spr+field ! v week t ?is article 0 publi%$1 & pass$ a day ) ,mr4 ,h]ndon at 8 home4 ,i 0 prep>$ to te/ify1 z all 8 neighbors 71 t ! *>ges x conta9$1 toge!r ) o!rs t 7 be+ circulat$1 7 false4 ,i knew t he /ill possess$ a s\nd & vigor\s intellect2 ,i knew t he 0 9 com=table circum/ances f9ancially2 ,i knew t he 0 an e>ne/ advocate ( temp]ance1 & t he practic$ :at he prea*$2 9 %ort1 ,i knew him to be a man ( pure morals & exempl>y "*4 ,at ! v "t t he 0 decl>$ to be an inmate ( ! insane asylum1 ! ,old ,settl]s' ,society select$ him to exam9e & report ^u ! correctness ( ! ,hi/ory ( ,sangamon ,c\nty1 :i*1 z x includ$ a hi/ory ( ! capital ( ! /ate :]e1 at "o "t or ano!r1 _h resid$ a majority ( ,ill9ois's mo/ gift$ sons1 0 an important "w1 & "o ^: revision w\ld n likely be intru/$ to a lunatic4 ,at ! v "t t he 0 said to be a paup] 9 ! c\nty poorh\se1 he 0 ent]ta9+ su* di/+ui%$ gue/s z ,william ,lloyd ,g>rison4 ,at ! v "t t he 0 report$ to be a common drunk>d1 8 neighbors _h j appo9t$ him gu>dian ( ! educational int]e/s ( _! *ildr54 ,all ef=ts to trace ^! sl&]s to _! s\rce & discov] _! au?or prov$ futile until #ahhj1 :5 ! writ] ( ?is saw 9 an ,ohio pap] an article on ,l9coln1 9 :i* 0 quot$ a portion ( a lett] :i* ! contributor ( ! article /at$ _h j be5 receiv$ f ! ,rev4 ,j4 ,a4 ,re$1 ( ,spr+field4 ,x relat$ :olly to ,mr4 ,h]ndon1 & did n conta9 "o fair1 tru?ful /atem5t4 ,9 ?irty brief l9es 7 conc5trat$1 9 addition to sev]al /atem5ts calculat$ & int5d$ to deceive1 no less ?an sixte5 delib]ate falsehoods1 "s ( !m ( ! mo/ cruel & infam\s "*4 ,x 0 evid5t t ,re$ _h int5d$ t ! sub/ance ( 8 lett] %\ld be giv5 to ! public )\t disclos+ its au?or%ip4 ,b1 ?anks to ! innoc5t cr$ulity & indiscreetness ( ! fri5d to :om x 0 s5t1 ! defam] 0 discov]$ & expos$4 ,& ?is sneak+1 c[>dly assass9 0 ! def5d] ( ,l9coln's ,*ri/ian fai?6 ,c\ld ! inanimate rema9s ( ,abraham ,l9coln h be5 revivifi$ :5 ?is exposure 0 made1 he w\ld h aris5 f 8 mausoleum at ,oak ,bidge1 h come into ! city1 & h kick$ ?is pret5d$ def5d]1 ?is base calumniator ( 8 belov$ fri5d & associate1 out ( ,spr+field4 ,! cause ( all ! vitup]ation :i* = ye>s _h be5 heap$ ^u ,mr4 ,h]ndon 0 n[ app>5t4 ,he _h repli$ to ,re$'s lecture1 & op5ly1 hone/ly1 & c\rte\sly1 b effectively1 refut$ x2 & because ! latt] c\ld n come =w>d ) a successful rejo9d]1 he 0 ?us he>tlessly & cov]tly plung+ a dagg] into ! reputation ( 8 *ivalr\s oppon5t4 ,! int]cession ( fri5ds secur$ = ! culprit immunity f arre/ = libel1 b 9 ! newspap]s ( 8 city he receiv$ su* a ca/igation z he w n soon =get4 ,! ,daily ,monitor1 9 an editorial reply+ to ! sl&]s t 7 be+ circulat$ conc]n+ ,mr4 ,h]ndon1 said3 ,mr4 ,h]ndon is n a paup]1 is n a drunk>d2 :isky did n ru9 him1 &1 9 a ^w1 ! :ole ?+ is a lie4 ,mr4 ,h]ndon lives on 8 f>m ne> ?is city4 ,he is a great admir] ( nature1 loves fl[]s1 & sp5ds 8 :ole "t on ! f>m1 except :5 do+ 8 trad+1 or com+ into ! city to see 8 *ildr5 & gr&*ildr54 ,he don't dr9k1 he don't *ew tobacco1 he don't gamble1 he is honorable & tru?ful1 & he is highly respect$ by 8 fell[-citiz5s4 ,he is a great read]1 a great ?9k]1 loves 8 neighbors & 8 neighbors love him4 ,he has a great1 big1 k9d he>t = 8 fell[-man 9 di/ress1 &1 :ile nev] wor? 'consid]able prop]ty1' he has always _h en\gh = 8 g5]\s purposes4 ,j :y ?is ?+ %\ld be all[$ we are at a loss to "k1 & h wait$ to see if "s ( ^? :o pr(ess s mu* ( ! ,*ri/-l 9 _! composition w\ld n h en\gh ( ! man-l to be m51 & n all[ a good & true man z ,mr4 ,h]ndon is to be ?us infam\sly malign$ & beli$ by ^? ^: works 9 ! salvation ( m5 w\ld h m effect if m ak9 to ,*ri/ 9 practice4 ,aft] a life ( hone/ toil1 mu* ( x 9 behalf ( ! poor & ! weak1 )\t rew>d & )\t ! expectation ( rew>d1 to be 9 8 old age ?us %amefully robb$ ( 8 good "n1 0 an outrage almo/ )\t a p>allel1 save 9 ! treatm5t receiv$ by ,?omas ,pa9e4 ,t ,mr4 ,h]ndon 0 ke5ly s5sitive to ?is great wrong is disclos$ by ! tone ( 8 lett]s writt5 at ! "t4 ,9 "o he says3 ,i h done no?+ 9 ! _s ( self-laudation4 ,i pref] mov+ d[n ! grooves ( "t unnotic$ & unkn[n1 except to fri5ds4 ,i h no ambition = fame or money4 ,my ambition is to try to d good4 ,i sp5t t5 or m ye>s ( my be/ life = ! negro1 lib]ty1 & union1 n =gett+ ,kansas & h] brave p4 ,b let x all g2 ,i make no compla9t4 ,i try to live a moral & a manly life1 love my fell[ man1 love fre$om1 love ju/ice1 & w\ld die = ! et]nal "r4 ,z an index ( public s5tim5t 9 ! community :]e ! defam$ & ! defam] resid$1 ,i w /ate two facts4 ,on a pleasant ,septemb] ev5+1 9 #ahhb1 ,i att5d$ ,dr4 ,re$'s *ur* 9 ,spr+field4 ,9 t commodi\s edifice1 built to accommodate an audi5ce ( ne>ly "o ?\s&1 ,i f\nd assembl$ to li/5 to ?is r5[n$ def5d] ( ,l9coln's ,*ri/ian fai?1 an audi5ce ( =ty-f\r p]sons4 ,ab\t ! same "t1 9 ! publi%$ report ( a public meet+ held ne> ,spr+field1 appe>$ ! foll[+3 ,five ?\s& p hov]$ ar\nd ! speak]'s /& = ! purpose ( li/5+ to ! able1 eloqu5t1 & well-kn[n ,hon4 ,w4 ,h4 ,h]ndon4 ,x has be5 *>g$ t ,mr4 ,h]ndon's /atem5ts conc]n+ ,l9coln's unbelief 7 inspir$ by a _s ( rev5ge 9 consequ5ce ( ,l9coln's n hav+ recogniz$ him ) an appo9tm5t4 ,?is *>ge & ?is assumption are bo? false4 ,!re is n[ on file at ,wa%+ton & at ,spr+field a telegram f ,l9coln t5d]+ him a judge%ip1 :i* he decl9$4 ,to "k ,l9coln 0 to love him4 ,none knew him bett] ?an ,mr4 ,h]ndon1 & none ent]ta9$ a deep] affection = 8 memory4 ,9 a lett] to me1 dat$ ,nov4 #d1 #ahha1 he pays ?is tribute to 8 dead fri5d3 ,"s p say t ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 an ungrateful man4 ,?is is n true1 & especially :5 appli$ to myself4 ,he 0 always k9d1 t5d]1 & grateful to me--clung to me ) hooks ( /eel4 ,i "k t ,i 0 true to him4 ,x is said t no man is great to 8 valet4 ,if ,i 0 ,mr4 ,l9coln's valet1 ! rule does n apply 9 ?is case1 = my op9ion ( him is too well kn[n4 ,8 0 a gr&1 noble1 true1 & manly life4 ,he dream$ dreams ( glory1 & glory 0 ju/ly 84 ,he 0 gr[+ & exp&+ to ! day ( 8 dea?4 ,he 0 sl[ 9 8 developm5t1 b /rong & big :5 he did come4 ,! la/ lett] :i* ,i ev] receiv$ f him conclud$ ?us3 ',god bless y1 says y\r fri5d4--,a4 ,l9coln' ,he felt :at he express$1 & 9 return ,i say1 ,god bless y1 ,l9coln4 ,,*apt] ,,vii4 ,,te/imony ,,( ,,col4 ,,w>d ,h4 ,,lamon ,lamon's ,life ( ,l9coln--,l9coln's ,e>ly ,skepticism--,8 ,inve/igations at ,new ,salem--,8 ,book on ,infidelity--,8 ,religi\s ,op9ions ,rema9 ,un*ang$--,holl&'s ,condemnation ( ,lamon's ,"w--,holl&'s & ,lamon's ,works ,comp>$4 ,9 #ahgb1 sev5 ye>s aft] ! ,presid5t's assass9ation1 appe>$ ! ,life ( ,abraham ,l9coln1 writt5 by ,col4 ,w>d ,h4 ,lamon4 ,z a fai?ful record ( ! life ( "o ( ! mo/ sublime *>act]s 9 ! _w's hi/ory1 ?is "w /&s unrival$4 ,m accompli%$ writ]s h writt5 biography--h writt5 ! biography ( ,l9coln4 ,b no writ] has ev] be5 m ?or\ghly in=m$ respect+ 8 subject1 & no writ] has ev] made a m consci5ti\s use ( ! in=mation 9 8 possession ?an has ,colonel ,lamon 9 8 ,life ( ,l9coln4 ,9 ,ill9ois he 0 ! fri5d & confidant ( ,l9coln4 ,:5 ! "t approa*$ = ,l9coln to take ! ,executive *air1 & ! j\rney f ,spr+field to ,wa%+ton 0 deem$ a dang]\s und]tak+1 to ,colonel ,lamon 0 intru/$ ! responsible duty ( conduct+ him to ! national capital4 ,dur+ ! ev5tful ye>s t foll[$1 he rema9$ at ! ,presid5t's side1 hold+ an important (ficial position 9 ! ,di/rict ( ,columbia4 ,:5 ,l9coln di$1 at ! great fun]al pageant 9 ,wa%+ton1 he l$ ! civic procession1 & 01 ) ,major ,g5]al ,hunt] & ,judge ,david ,davis1 select$ to convey ! rema9s to _! f9al re/+-place at ,spr+field4 ,! foll[+ extract1 f ! preface to 8 "w1 %[s :at an inexhau/ible m9e ( mat]ials he _h ) :i* to prep>e a full & au!ntic record ( ,l9coln's life & "*3 ,at ! "t ( ,mr4 ,l9coln's dea?1 ,i det]m9$ to write 8 hi/ory1 z ,i _h 9 my possession mu* valuable mat]ial = su* a purpose4444 ,e>ly 9 #ahfi1 ,mr4 ,h]ndon plac$ at my disposal 8 rem>kable collection ( mat]ials--! ri*e/1 r>e/1 & fulle/ collection x 0 possible to conceive4444 ,mr4 ,h]ndon _h be5 ! p>tn] 9 bus9ess & ! intimate p]sonal associate ( ,mr4 ,l9coln = some?+ l a qu>t] ( a c5tury2 & ,mr4 ,l9coln _h liv$ famili>ly ) sev]al memb]s ( 8 family long be=e _! individual acqua9tance began4 ,new ,salem1 ,spr+field1 ! old judicial circuit1 ! habits & fri5ds ( ,mr4 ,l9coln1 7 z well kn[n to ,mr4 ,h]ndon z to himself4 ,) ^! advantages1 & f ! numb]less facts & h9ts :i* _h dropp$ f ,mr4 ,l9coln dur+ ! confid5tial int]c\rse ( an ord9>y lifetime1 ,mr4 ,h]ndon 0 able to in/itute a ?or\gh sy/em ( inquiry = e notewor?y circum/ance & e incid5t ( value 9 ,mr4 ,l9coln's c>e]4 ,! fruits ( ,mr4 ,h]ndon's labors are g>n]$ 9 ?ree enorm\s volumes ( orig9al manuscripts & a mass ( un>rang$ lett]s & pap]s4 ,!y comprise ! recollections ( ,mr4 ,l9coln's ne>e/ fri5ds2 ( ! surviv+ memb]s ( 8 family & 8 family-connections2 ( ! m5 /ill liv+ :o knew him & 8 p>5ts 9 ,k5tucky2 ( 8 s*oolfell[s1 neighbors1 & acqua9tances 9 ,indiana2 ( ! bett] "p ( ! :ole population ( ,new ,salem2 ( 8 associates & relatives at ,spr+field2 & ( lawy]s1 judges1 politicians1 & /atesm5 ev]y:]e1 :o _h any?+ ( int]e/ or mom5t to relate4 ,!y 7 collect$ at va/ exp5se ( "t1 labor1 & money1 involv+ ! employm5t ( _m ag5ts1 long j\rneys1 t$i\s exam9ations1 & volum9\s correspond5ce4 ,^u ! value ( ^! mat]ials x w\ld be impossible to place an e/imate4 ,t ,i h us$ !m consci5ti\sly & ju/ly is ! only m]it to :i* ,i lay claim4 ,lamon's evid5ce conc]n+ ,l9coln's unbelief is complete & unansw]able4 ,he did n pres5t x because he 0 himself an unbeliev] & wi%$ to support 8 views ) ! pre/ige ( ,l9coln's great "n4 ,:ile ! ,free?9k] reg>ds ,l9coln's rejection ( ,*ri/ianity z 9 ! highe/ degree m]itori\s--a pro( ( 8 /rong logical acum51 8 /]l+ common s5se1 & 8 broad humanity--,lamon consid]$ x a grave defect 9 8 "*4 ,he /ates ! fact because x is a fact1 & because ! purpose ( 8 "w is to disclose & n conceal ! facts ( ,l9coln's life4 ,if he devotes consid]able space to ! subject1 & exhibits a special e>ne/ness 9 its pres5tation1 ! misrepres5tations ( ,l9coln's ,*ri/ian biograph]s h furni%$ a reasonable pretext = x4 ,9 ! pages imm$iately foll[+ w be giv5 ! individual te/imony ( ,colonel ,lamon3 ,any analysis ( ,mr4 ,l9coln's "* w\ld be defective t did n include 8 religi\s op9ions4 ,on su* matt]s he ?\ght deeply1 & 8 op9ions 7 positive4 ,b p]haps no phase ( 8 "* has be5 m p]si/5tly misrepres5t$ & v>i\sly misund]/ood1 ?an ?is ( 8 religi\s belief4 ,n t ! conclusive te/imony ( _m ( 8 intimate associates relative to 8 frequ5t expressions on su* subjects has ev] be5 want+2 b 8 great prom95ce 9 ! _w's hi/ory1 & 8 id5tification ) "s ( ! great que/ions ( our "t1 :i*1 by _! moral import1 7 held to be em95tly religi\s 9 _! "*1 h l$ _m good p to trace 9 8 motives & actions simil> convictions to ^? held by !mselves4 ,8 extremely g5]al expressions ( religi\s fai? call$ =? by ! grave exig5cies ( 8 public life1 or indulg$ 9 on occasions ( private condol5ce1 h too (t5 be5 di/ort$ out ( relation to _! real significance or mean+ to suit ! op9ions or tickle ! fancies ( individuals or p>ties4 ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 nev] a memb] ( any *ur*1 nor did he believe 9 ! div9ity ( ,*ri/1 or ! inspiration ( ! ,scriptures 9 ! s5se und]/ood by evangelical ,*ri/ians 7,life ( ,l9coln1 p4 #dhf74 ,holl& & o!r ,*ri/ian biograph]s h repres5t$ ,l9coln z a y\? ( extreme piety1 ^: con/ant companion 0 ! ,bible4 ,! concurr5t te/imony ( ! fri5ds ( 8 boyhood compels ,colonel ,lamon to affirm t ! rev]se ( ?is is true--t ,l9coln1 at an e>ly age1 0 not$ = 8 skepticism4 ,he says3 ,:5 a boy1 he %[$ no sign ( t piety :i* 8 _m biograph]s ascribe to 8 manhood4444 ,:5 he w5t to *ur* at all1 he w5t to mock1 & came away to mimic 7,ibid1 pp4 #dhf1 #dhg74 ,at an e>ly age he began to att5d ! 'prea*+s' r\ndab\t1 b pr9cipally at ! ,pigeon ,creek *ur*1 ) a view to cat*+ :atev] might be ludicr\s 9 ! prea*]'s air or matt]1 & mak+ x ! subject ( mimicry z soon z he c\ld collect an audi5ce ( idle boys & m5 to he> him4 ,a pi\s /rang]1 pass+ t way on a ,sunday morn+1 0 invit$ to prea* = ! ,pigeon ,creek congregation2 b he bang$ ! bo>ds ( ! old pulpit1 & bell[$ & groan$ s wond]fully1 t ,abe c\ld h>dly conta9 8 mir?4 ,?is memorable s]mon 0 a great favorite ) him2 & he frequ5tly reproduc$ x ) nasal tones1 roll+ eyes1 & all mann] ( droll aggravations1 to ! great delight ( ,nat ,grigsby & ! wild fell[s :om ,nat 0 able to assemble 7lb41 p4 #ee74 ,8 *ronicles 7 _m1 & on a great v>iety ( subjects4 ,!y 7 writt51 z 8 e>ly admir]s love to tell u1 '9 ! ,scriptural /yle2' b ^? we h betray a v limit$ acqua9tance ) ! model 7,ib41 p4 #fc74 ,( 8 ,free?\ght read+ & !ological inve/igations at ,new ,salem1 & 8 book on ,infidelity1 ,lamon says3 ,:5 he came to ,new ,salem1 he consort$ ) ,free?9k]s1 jo9$ ) !m 9 d]id+ ! gospel hi/ory ( ,jesus1 read ,volney & ,pa9e1 & !n wrote a delib]ate & labor$ essay1 :]e9 he rea*$ conclusions simil> to !irs4 ,! essay 0 burnt1 b he nev] d5i$ or regrett$ its composition4 ,on ! contr>y1 he made x ! subject ( free & frequ5t conv]sations ) 8 fri5ds at ,spr+field1 & /at$1 ) mu* p>ticul>ity & precision1 ! orig91 argum5ts1 & objects ( ! "w 7lb41 p4 #dhg74 ,! community 9 :i* he liv$ 0 preem95tly a community ( ,free?9k]s 9 matt]s ( religion2 & x 0 !n no secret1 nor has x be5 a secret s9ce1 t ,mr4 ,l9coln agre$ ) ! majority ( 8 associates 9 d5y+ to ! ,bible ! au?ority ( div9e revelation4 ,x 0 8 hone/ belief1 a belief :i* x 0 no reproa* to hold at ,new ,salem1 ,anno ,dom9i #ahcd1 & "o :i* he nev] ?\ght ( conceal+4 ,x 0 no di/9ction1 ei!r good or bad1 no honor1 & no %ame4 ,b he _h made himself ?or\ghly famili> ) ! writ+s ( ,pa9e & ,volney--! ',ru9s' by ! "o1 & ',! ,age ( ,reason' by ! o!r4 ,8 m9d 0 full ( ! subject1 & he felt an it*+ to write4 ,he did write1 & ! result 0 a little book4 ,x 0 probably m]ely an ext5d$ essay1 b x is ambiti\sly spok5 ( z 'a book' by himself & by ! p]sons :o 7 made acqua9t$ ) its cont5ts4 ,9 ?is "w he int5d$ to demon/rate-- ',fir/1 t ! ,bible 0 n ,god's revelation2 ',secondly1 t ,jesus 0 n ! son ( ,god4' ,no leaf ( ?is little volume has surviv$4 ,mr4 ,l9coln c>ri$ x 9 manuscript to ! /ore ( ,mr4 ,samuel ,hill1 :]e x 0 read & discuss$4 ,hill 0 himself an unbeliev]1 b 8 son consid]$ 8 book 'infam\s4' ,x is m ?an probable t ,hill1 be+ a w>m p]sonal fri5d ( ,l9coln fe>$ t ! publication ( ! essay w\ld "s day int]f]e ) ! political advancem5t ( 8 favorite4 ,at all ev5ts1 he snat*$ x out ( 8 h&1 & ?ru/ x into ! fire1 f :i* n a %r$ escap$ 7lb41 pp4 #aeg1 #aeh74 ,colonel ,lamon is confid5t t :ile ,l9coln f9ally ceas$ to op5ly promulgate 8 ,free?\ght op9ions1 he nev] ab&on$ !m4 ,he says3 ,z he grew old]1 he grew m cauti\s2 & z 8 ,new ,salem associates1 & ! aggressive ,dei/s ) :om he orig9ally unit$ at ,spr+field1 gradually disp]s$1 or fell away f 8 side1 he appreciat$ m & m ke5ly ! viol5ce & ext5t ( ! religi\s prejudices :i* fre$om 9 discussion f 8 /&po9t w\ld be sure to ar\se aga9/ him4 ,he saw ! imm5se & augm5t+ p[] ( ! *ur*es1 & 9 times pa/ _h practically felt x4 ,! imputation ( ,infidelity _h s]i\sly injur$ him 9 sev]al ( 8 e>li] political conte/s2 &1 sob]$ by age & exp]i5ce1 he 0 resolv$ t t same imputation %\ld injure him no m4 ,aspir+ to lead religi\s communities1 he =esaw t he mu/ n appe> z an enemy )9 _! gates2 aspir+ to public honors "u ! auspices ( a political p>ty :i* p]si/5tly summon$ religi\s p to assi/ 9 ! extirpation ( t :i* is d5\nc$ z ! 'nation's s91' he =esaw t he c\ld n ask _! suffrages :il/ asp]s+ _! fai?4 ,he p]ceiv$ no reason = *ang+ 8 convictions1 b he did p]ceive _m good & cog5t reasons = n mak+ !m public 7lb41 pp4 #dig1 #dih74 ,b he nev] told anyone t he accept$ ,jesus z ! ,*ri/1 or p]=m$ a s+le "o ( ! acts :i* necess>ily foll[ ^u su* a conviction4 ,at ,spr+field & at ,wa%+ton he 0 beset on ! "o h& by political prie/s1 & on ! o!r by hone/ & pray]ful ,*ri/ians4 ,he despis$ ! =m]1 respect$ ! latt]1 & _h use = bo?4 ,he said ) *>act]i/ic irrev]5ce t he w\ld n und]take to 'run ! *ur*es by milit>y au?ority2' b he 01 nev]!less1 alive to ! importance ( lett+ ! *ur*es 'run' !mselves 9 ! int]e/ ( 8 p>ty4 ,indef9ite expressions ab\t ',div9e ,provid5ce1' ! ',ju/ice ( ,god1' '! favor ( ! ,mo/ ,high1' 7 easy1 & n inconsi/5t ) 8 religi\s notions4 ,9 ?is1 accord+ly1 he indulg$ freely2 b nev] 9 all t "t did he let fall f 8 lips or 8 p5 an expression :i* remotely impli$ ! slighte/ fai? 9 ,jesus z ! son ( ,god & ! ,savior ( m5 7,ib41 p4 #ejb74 ,lamon 0 ,l9coln's intimate & tru/$ fri5d at ,wa%+ton1 & _h he *ang$ 8 belief1 8 biograph]1 z well z ,noah ,brooks & ! ,ill9ois cl]gyman1 w\ld h be5 9 possession ( ! fact4 ,9 #ahea ,l9coln wrote a lett] ( consolation to 8 dy+ fa!r1 9 :i* he c\nsel$ him to confide 9 our great & good & m]ciful ,mak]4 ,?is lett] 0 giv5 to ! public by ,mr4 ,h]ndon1 & has be5 cit$ by ! or?odox to prove t ,l9coln 0 a believ]4 ,adv]t+ to ?is lett] ,lamon says3 ,if ev] !re 0 a mom5t :5 ,mr4 ,l9coln might h be5 expect$ to express 8 fai? 9 ! atonem5t1 8 tru/ 9 ! m]its ( a liv+ ,r$eem]1 x 0 :5 he und]took to s5d a compos+ & com=t+ message to a dy+ man4444 ,b he omitt$ x :olly4 ,he did n ev5 m5tion ! "n ( ,jesus1 or intimate ! mo/ di/ant suspicion ( ! exi/5ce ( a ,*ri/ 7,ibid41 p4 #dig74 ,l9coln's m9d 0 n entirely free f sup]/ition1 b ?\gh born & re>$ 9 ,*ri/5dom1 ! sup]/iti\s elem5t 9 8 nature 0 n ess5tially ,*ri/ian4 ,8 fatali/ic ideas1 s *>act]i/ic ( ! fai? ( ,islam1 h already be5 m5tion$ by ,mr4 ,h]ndon1 & are ?us ref]r$ to by ,colonel ,lamon3 ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 by no means free f a k9d ( belief 9 ! sup]natural4444 ,he liv$ con/antly 9 ! s]i\s conviction t he 0 himself ! subject ( a special decree1 made by "s unkn[n & my/]i\s p[]1 = :i* he _h no "n 7,ibid41 p4 #ejc74 ,8 m9d 0 fill$ ) gloomy =ebod+s & /rong appreh5sions ( imp5d+ evil1 m+l$ ) extravagant visions ( p]sonal gr&eur & p[]4 ,8 imag9ation pa9t$ a sc5e j beyond ! veil ( ! imm$iate future1 gild$ ) glory yet t>ni%$ ) blood4 ,x 0 8 'de/9y'--spl5did b dreadful1 fasc9at+ b t]rible4 ,8 case bore little resemblance to ^? ( religi\s en?usia/s l ,bunyan1 ,c[p]1 & o!rs4 ,8 0 m l ! delusion ( ! fatali/ consci\s ( 8 /> 7,ibid11 p4 #dge74 ,:5 ,lamon's "w appe>$1 ,holl&1 back$ by ! ,*ri/ian elem5t g5]ally1 fell ^u x l a savage & s\ght1 z f> z possible1 to suppress x4 ,lamon _h committ$ an unp>donable (f5se4 ,he _h decl>$ to ! _w t ,l9coln _h di$ a disbeliev]1 &1 :at 0 worse1 he _h prov$ x4 ,holl&'s attack 0 made 9 an eight-column review ( ,lamon's ,life1 :i* 0 publi%$ 9 ,scribn]'s ,mon?ly1 = ,augu/1 #ahgb4 ,9 ord] to give an air ( c&or & judicial fairness to 8 v5om\s criticisms1 he op5s ) ?is flatt]+ recognition ( its m]its3 ,x is n difficult to see h[ ,colonel ,lamon1 :o dur+ ,mr4 ,l9coln's ,presid5cy held an (fice 9 ! ,di/rict ( ,columbia1 :i* mu/ h br\ght him into some:at frequ5t int]c\rse ) ! ,presid5t1 & :o1 inde$1 _h come ) him f ,spr+field to ! ,capital1 %\ld feel t !re re/$ on him a c]ta9 biographical duty4 ,& c]ta9ly he 0 9 possession ( a mass ( mat]ial s volum9\s1 s orig9al1 & s fre% t 9 ?is respect at lea/ 8 fitness = ! "w 0 rem>kably complete4 ,moreov]1 ,mr4 ,w4 ,h4 ,h]ndon1 :o 0 ,mr4 ,l9coln's p>tn] 9 ! practice ( ! law at ,spr+field1 & 01 ( c\rse1 closely intimate ) 8 p>tn] 9 a bus9ess way1444 add$ to ,colonel ,lamon's mat]ial ! valuable docum5ts :i* he _h himself collect$1 & ! memor&a :i*1 ) pa9/ak+ & lawy]-l ability1 he _h record$ f ! oral te/imony ( liv+ witnesses4 ,z f> z ! /ory ( ,mr4 ,l9coln's *ildhood & e>ly life is conc]n$1 d[n to ! "t :5 8 political life began1 x has nev] be5 told s fully1 ) su* _s & ze/1 & ) su* evid5t accuracy1 z by ,colonel ,lamon4 ,ne>ly ! entire review is devot$ to a d5unciation ( ,lamon's exposition ( ,l9coln's religi\s op9ions4 ,he repeat$ly pron\nces ?is an outrage on dec5cy1 & *>act]izes ,l9coln's ,free-?\ght companions z hea!n1 b>b>ians1 & savages4 ,! review concludes z foll[s3 ,! viol5t & reckless prejudice1 & ! utt] want ( delicacy & ev5 ( dec5cy by :i* ! book is *>act]iz$1 9 su* in/ances z ?is1 w m ?an c\nt]balance ! value ( its new mat]ial1 its fre% & vigor\s pictures ( ,we/]n life & mann]s1 & its famili> k ( ! 'inside politics' ( ,mr4 ,l9coln's adm9i/ration1 & w ev5 make its publication 7by ! fam\s publi%]s ^: impr9t imp>ts to x a pre/ige & au?ority :i* its au?or%ip w\ld fail to give7 some?+ l a national mis=tune4 ,9 "s qu>t]s x w be readily receiv$ z ! /&>d life ( ! good ,presid5t4 ,x is all ! m desirable t ! criticism ^u x %\ld be prompt & unsp>+4 ,*ri/ianity mu/ h ! support ( ,l9coln's great "n4 ,to secure x ,holl& is will+ to misrepres5t ! hone/ convictions ( ,l9coln's lifetime1 to traduce ! *>act]s ( 8 de>e/ fri5ds1 & to rob a bro!r au?or & a publi%] ( _! j rew>d4 ,lamon /ates t dur+ ! la/ ye>s ( ,l9coln's life he ceas$ to proclaim 8 ,infidel op9ions because !y 7 unpopul>4 ,ref]r+ to ?is /atem5t1 ,holl& says3 ,! eag]ness ) :i* ?is volume /rives to cov] ,mr4 ,l9coln's memory ) an imputation s dete/able is "o ( ! mo/ pitiable exhibitions :i* we h lately witness$4 ,?is outbur/ ( righte\s indignation1 com+ f ! s\rce x does1 is peculi>ly refre%+4 ,to appreciate x1 we h only to op5 ,holl&'s "w1 & read su* passages z ! foll[+3 ,i am oblig$ to appe> diff]5t to !m4 ,x 0 "o ( ! peculi>ities ( ,mr4 ,l9coln to hide ^! religi\s ,*ri/ian exp]i5ces f ! eyes ( ! _w4 ,:o _h nev] 9 _! :ole lives he>d f 8 lips "o ^w ( all ^! religi\s convictions & exp]i5ces4 ,!y 8 fri5ds did n reg>d him z a religi\s man4 ,all ?is dep>tm5t ( 8 life he _h kept c>efully hidd5 f !m4 ,!re 0 mu* ( 8 conduct t 0 simply a cov] to ^! ?\ghts--an ef=t to conceal !m 7,holl&'s ,life ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #bci1 #bdj74 ,consummate hypocrisy 9 a ,*ri/ian is all "r ) ?is morali/2 b = a ,free?9k] to )hold 8 views f an intol]ant religi\s _w is a dete/able crime4 ,z a biograph] ( ,l9coln1 ,holl& possess$ _m advantages ov] ,lamon4 ,8 "w 0 writt5 & publi%$ imm$iately aft] ! awful trag$y1 :5 almo/ ! entire read+ public 0 deeply int]e/$ 9 ev]y?+ t p]ta9$ to ,l9coln's life4 ,s f> z ,l9coln's religi\s views are conc]n$1 he advocat$ ! popul> side ( ! "q2 = :ile ^? outside ( ! *ur* c>$ b little ab\t ! matt]1 ! *ur* desir$ ! influ5ce ( 8 great "n1 & 0 ready to rew>d ^? :o assi/$ h] 9 obta9+ x4 ,holl&1 too1 _h an e/abli%$ reputation z an au?or--_h ne>ly z l>ge a class ( read]s z any writ] 9 ?is c\ntry4 ,8 "n alone 0 suffici5t to gu>antee a l>ge circulation to any book he might produce4 ,lamon1 on ! o!r h&1 possess$ b a s+le advantage ov] 8 rival1 t ( hav+ ! tru? on 8 side4 ,& :ile tru? is mighty1 & w 9 ! end prevail1 yet h[ (t5 is x cru%$ to e>? & = ! "t obscur$4 ,9 view ( all ?is1 x is n /range t ! public %\ld be s sl[ to reject ! fictions ( ,holl& & accept ! facts ( ,lamon4 ,t ,lamon's ,life ( ,l9coln is :olly undes]v+ ( adv]se criticism1 is n claim$4 ,he has1 p]haps1 giv5 undue prom95ce to "s matt]s connect$ ) ,l9coln's private affairs :i* might ) propriety h be5 consign$ to oblivion4 ,a l>g] manife/ation ( *>ity1 too1 = ! imp]fections ( ^? ) :om ,l9coln m+l$1 especially 9 ! humbl] walks ( life1 w\ld n h detract$ f its m]it4 ,& yet1 ^? :o desire to "k ,l9coln z he really 01 %\ld read ,lamon r ?an ,holl&4 ,9 ,lamon's "w1 ,l9coln's "* is a rugg$ oak1 t[]+ above its fell[s & clo!d 9 nature's liv]y2 9 ,holl&'s "w1 x is a dead tree ) ! b>k tak5 (f1 ! knots plan$ d[n1 & v>ni%$4 ,9 ! ,new ,york ,_w appe>$ ! foll[+ j e/imate ( ^! two biographies3 ,mr4 ,w>d ,h4 ,lamon is ! au?or ( "o ',life ( ,l9coln1' & ,dr4 ,j4 ,g4 ,holl& is ! au?or ( ano!r4 ,mr4 ,lamon 0 ! intimate p]sonal & political fri5d ( ,mr4 ,l9coln1 tru/+ & tru/$1 f ! "t ( _! jo9t practice 9 ! ,ill9ois ,qu>t] ,sessions to ! mom5t ( ,mr4 ,l9coln's dea? at ,wa%+ton4 ,dr4 ,holl& 0 no?+ to ,mr4 ,l9coln--nei!r kn[n nor kn[+4 ,dr4 ,holl& ru%$ 8 ',life' f ! press be=e ! disfigur$ corpse 0 fairly out ( sight1 :ile ! public m9d l+]$ ) horror ov] ! details ( ! trag$y1 &1 excit$ by morbid curiosity1 0 will+ to pay = its gratification4 ,mr4 ,lamon wait$ _m ye>s1 until all adv5titi\s int]e/ _h subsid$1 & !n ) incr$ible labor & pa9s1 produc$ a volume f\nd$ ^u mat]ials :i* = _! fulness1 v>iety1 & seem+ au!nticity are unrival$ 9 ! hi/ory ( biographies4 ,dr4 ,holl&'s s+le volume pr(ess$ to cov] ! :ole ( ,mr4 ,l9coln's c>e]4 ,mr4 ,lamon's s+le volume 0 mode/ly conf9$ to a "p ( x4 ,dr4 ,holl&'s 0 an easy1 graceful1 (f-h& p]=mance1 hav+ b ! "o slight dem]it ( be+ 9 all ess5tial p>ticul>s untrue f beg9n+ to end4 ,mr4 ,lamon's 0 a labor$1 cauti\s1 & c>efully v]ifi$ n>rative :i* seems to h be5 accept$ by dis9t]e/$ critics z entirely au!ntic4 ,dr4 ,holl& w\ld probably be v mu* %ock$ if anybody %\ld ask him to be> false witness 9 favor ( 8 neighbor 9 a c\rt ( ju/ice1 b he takes up 8 p5 to make a record :i* he hopes & int5ds %all endure =ev]1 & 9 t record delib]ately be>s false witness 9 favor ( a public man :om he happ5$ to admire1 ) no k9d ( (f5se to 8 s]5e & 'cultur$' consci5ce4 ,if ?is 7 all--if ,dr4 ,holl& m]ely ass]t$ 8 own "r to compose & publi% elaborate fictions on hi/orical subjects--we might com=t ourselves ) ! reflection t su* lit]ature is likely to be z evanesc5t z x is di%one/1 & let him pass 9 sil5ce4 ,b ?is is n all4 ,he ma9ta9s t x is ev]ybody's duty to help him to deceive ! public & to write d[n 8 m consci5ti\s competitor4 ,he turns up ! nose ( 'culture' & curls ! lip ( 'art' at ,mr4 ,lamon's homely n>rative ( facts1 & gravely insi/s t all o!r noses & all o!r lips %all be turn$ up & curl$ because 8 are4 ,he implores ! public1 :i* he insult$ & gull$ ) 8 own book1 to damn ,mr4 ,lamon's1 & he puts 8 reque/ on ! v gr\nd t ,mr4 ,lamon has /upidly gone & n>rat$ und5iable tru?s1 :]eby he has demoli%$ an empty %r9e t 0 pr(itable to _m1 & brok5 a pa9t$ idol t might h s]v$ = a god4 ,! names ( ,holl& & ,lamon are n ( !mselves & by !mselves illu/ri\s2 b />t+ f ! title-pages ( ! two ,lives ( ,l9coln1 & repres5t+1 z !y d1 ! two s*ools ( biography writ]s1 ! "o /&s = a pr9ciple & ! o!r = ! want ( x4 ,,*apt] ,,viii4 ,,te/imony ,,( ,,hon4 ,,john ,t4 ,,/u>t ,,& ,,col4 ,,james ,h4 ,,ma!ny ,te/imony ( ,hon4 ,john ,t4 ,/u>t--,te/imony ( ,col4 ,james ,h4 ,ma!ny--,/u>t's ,disclaim]--,ma!ny's ,disclaim]-- ,exam9ation & ,au?or%ip ( ,disclaim]s1 ,includ+ ! ,edw>ds & ,lewis ,lett]s4 ,besides 8 own te/imony conc]n+ ,l9coln's unbelief1 ,colonel ,lamon cites ! te/imony ( t5 additional witnesses3 ,hon4 ,wm4 ,h4 ,h]ndon1 ,hon4 ,john ,t4 ,/u>t1 ,col4 ,james ,h4 ,ma!ny1 ,dr4 ,c4 ,h4 ,ray1 ,wm4 ,h4 ,hannah1 ,esq1 ,mr4 ,jas4 ,w4 ,keys1 ,hon4 ,jesse ,w4 ,fell1 ,col4 ,john ,g4 ,nicolay1 ,hon4 ,david ,davis & ,mrs4 ,m>y ,l9coln4 ,! te/imony ( ,mr4 ,h]ndon hav+ already be5 pres5t$1 ! te/imony ( ,mr4 ,/u>t & ,colonel ,ma!ny w next be giv54 ,?is te/imony 0 procur$ by ,mr4 ,h]ndon = ! purpose ( refut+ ! errone\s /atem5ts ( ,dr4 ,holl&4 ,hon4 ,john ,t4 ,/u>t1 :o 0 = a "t a memb] ( ,congress f ,ill9ois1 0 ! fir/ law p>tn] ( ,l9coln4 ,he says3 ,l9coln w5t fur!r aga9/ ,*ri/ian beliefs & doctr9es & pr9ciples ?an any man ,i ev] he>d3 he %ock$ me4 ,i don't rememb] ! exact l9e ( 8 argum5t--suppose x 0 aga9/ ! inh]5t defects1 s call$1 ( ! ,bible1 & on gr\nds ( reason4 ,l9coln always d5i$ t ,jesus 0 ! ,*ri/ ( ,god--d5i$ t ,jesus 0 ! son ( ,god1 z und]/ood & ma9ta9$ by ! ,*ri/ian *ur*4 ,! ,rev4 ,dr4 ,smi?1 :o wrote a lett]1 tri$ to conv]t ,l9coln f ,infidelity s late z #aheh1 & c\ldn't d x 7,lamon's ,life ( ,l9coln1 p4 #dhh74 ,col4 ,james ,h4 ,ma!ny 0 "o ( ,l9coln's mo/ intimate fri5ds1 & 0 = _m ye>s 8 *ief political manag]4 ,he te/ifies z foll[s3 ,i knew ,mr4 ,l9coln z e>ly z #ahcd-g2 "k he 0 an ,infidel4 ,he & ,w4 ,d4 ,h]ndon us$ to talk ,infidelity 9 ! ,cl]k's (fice 9 ?is city1 ab\t ! ye>s #ahcg-dj4 ,l9coln attack$ ! ,bible & ! ,new ,te/am5t on two gr\nds3 fir/1 f ! inh]5t or app>5t contradictions "u its lids2 second1 f ! gr\nds ( reason4 ,sometimes he ridicul$ ! ,bible & ! ,new ,te/am5t1 sometimes seem$ to sc(f at x1 ?\gh ,i %all n use t ^w 9 its full & lit]al s5se4 ,i nev] he>d t ,l9coln *ang$ 8 views1 ?\gh 8 p]sonal & political fri5d f #ahcd to #ahfj4 ,sometimes ,l9coln bord]$ on ,a!ism4 ,he w5t f> t way & %ock$ me4 ,i 0 !n a "y man1 & believ$ :at my good "m told me4 ,/u>t & ,l9coln's (fice 0 9 :at is call$ ,h(fman's ,r[1 on ,nor? ,fif? /reet1 ne> ! public squ>e4 ,x 0 9 ! same build+ z ! ,cl]k's (fice1 & on ! same floor4 ,l9coln w\ld come into ! ,cl]k's (fice1 :]e ,i & "s "y m5--,evan ,butl]1 ,newton ,francis & o!rs--7 writ+ or /ay+1 & w\ld br+ ! ,bible ) him2 w\ld read a *apt]1 argue aga9/ x4 ,l9coln !n _h a smatt]+ ( geology1 if ,i recollect x4 ,l9coln (t51 if n :olly1 0 an ,a!i/2 at lea/1 bord]$ on x4 ,l9coln 0 en?usia/ic 9 8 ,infidelity4 ,z he grew old]1 he grew m discreet1 didn't talk mu* be=e /rang]s ab\t 8 religion2 b to fri5ds1 close & bosom ones1 he 0 always op5 & av[$1 fair & hone/2 b to /rang]s1 he held !m (f f policy4 ,l9coln us$ to quote ,burns4 ,burns help$ ,l9coln to be an ,infidel1 z ,i ?9k2 at lea/ he f\nd 9 ,burns a l ?9k] & feel]4 ,f :at ,i "k ( ,mr4 ,l9coln & 8 views ( ,*ri/ianity1 & f :at ,i "k z hone/1 well-f\nd$ rumor2 f :at ,i h he>d 8 be/ fri5ds say & regret = ye>s2 f :at he nev] d5i$ :5 accus$1 & f :at ,l9coln has h9t$ & intimat$1 to say no m1 he did write a little book on ,infidelity1 at or ne> ,new ,salem1 9 ,m5>d c\nty1 ab\t ! ye> #ahcd or #ahce4 ,i h /at$ ^! ?+s to y (t54 ,judge ,logan1 ,john ,t4 ,/u>t1 y\rself1 "k :at ,i "k1 & "s ( y m4 ,mr4 ,h]ndon1 y insi/ on kn[+ some?+ :i* y "k ,i possess1 & got z a secret1 & t is1 ab\t ,l9coln's little book on ,infidelity4 ,mr4 ,l9coln did tell me t he did write a little book oil ,infidelity4 ,?is /atem5t ,i h avoid$ h]et(ore2 b1 z y /rongly insi/ ^u x--probably to def5d y\rself aga9/ *>ges ( misrepres5tations--,i give x to y z ,i got x f ,l9coln's m\? 7,life ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #dhg1 #dhh74 ,! evid5ce ( ,/u>t & ,ma!ny1 z record$ 9 ,lamon's "w1 hav+ be5 pres5t$1 x is n[ prop] to /ate t ?is evid5ce has1 9 a measure1 be5 repudiat$ by !m4 ,dr4 ,re$1 9 8 lecture1 produc$ lett]s f !m disclaim+ 9 "p or modify+ ! /atem5ts imput$ to !m4 ,dr4 ,re$ says3 ,i h be5 amaz$ to f9d t ! pr9cipal p]sons ^: te/imony is giv5 9 ?is book to prove t _! old fri5d liv$ & di$ an ,infidel1 nev] wrote a ^w ( x1 & nev] gave x z _! op9ion or all[$ x to be publi%$ z cov]+ _! e/imate ( ,mr4 ,l9coln's life & religi\s views4 ,allud+ to ,/u>t's evid5ce1 he says3 ,mr4 ,lamon has attribut$ to ,mr4 ,/u>t te/imony ! mo/ disp>ag+ & damag+ to ,mr4 ,l9coln's "* & op9ions--te/imony :i* ,mr4 ,/u>t utt]ly repudiates1 bo? z to language & s5tim5t4 ,reg>d+ ,ma!ny's te/imony1 he says3 ,mr4 ,ma!ny te/ifies t he nev] wrote a ^w ( :at is attribut$ to him2 t x is n a fair repres5tation ( ei!r 8 language or 8 op9ions1 & t he nev] w\ld h all[$ su* an article to be publi%$ z cov]+ 8 e/imate ( ,mr4 ,l9coln's life & "*4 ,! foll[+ is ! disclaim] ( ,mr4 ,/u>t3 ,spr+field1 ,dec4 #ag?1 #ahgb4 ,rev4 ,j4 ,a4 ,re$3 ,de> ,sir-- ,my att5tion has be5 call$ to a /atem5t 9 relation to ! religi\s op9ions ( ,mr4 ,l9coln1 purport+ to h be5 made by me1 & publi%$ 9 ,lamon's ',life ( ,l9coln4' ,! language ( t /atem5t is n m9e2 x 0 n writt5 by me1 & ,i did n see x until x 0 9 pr9t4 ,i 0 once int]view$ on ! subject ( ,mr4 ,l9coln's religi\s op9ions1 & d\btless said t ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 9 ! e>li] "p ( 8 life an ,infidel4 ,i c\ld n h said t ',dr4 ,smi? tri$ to conv]t ,l9coln f ,infidelity s late z #aheh1 & c\ldn't d x4' ,9 relation to t po9t ,i /at$1 9 ! same conv]sation1 "s facts :i* are 'omitt$ 9 t /atem5t1 & :i* ,i w briefly repeat4 ,t ,eddie1 a *ild ( ,mr4 ,l9coln1 di$ 9 #ahdh or #ahdi1 & t he & 8 wife 7 9 deep grief on ! acc\nt ,t ,dr4 ,smi?1 !n pa/or ( ! ,fir/ ,presbyt]ian *ur* ( ,spr+field1 at ! sugge/ion ( a lady fri5d ( !irs1 call$ ^u ,mr4 & ,mrs4 ,l9coln1 & t fir/ visit result$ 9 great intimacy & fri5d%ip betwe5 !m1 la/+ till ! dea? ( ,mr4 ,l9coln1 & cont9u+ ) ,mrs4 ,l9coln till ! dea? ( ,dr4 ,smi?4 ,i /at$ t ,i _h he>d at ! "t t ,dr4 ,smi? & ,mr4 ,l9coln _h mu* discussion 9 relation to ! tru? ( ! ,*ri/ian religion1 & t ,dr4 ,smi? _h furni%$ ,mr4 ,l9coln ) books to read on t subject1 & among o!rs "o :i* _h be5 writt5 by himself1 sometime previ\s1 on ,infidelity2 & t ,dr4 ,smi? claim$ t aft] ?is inve/igation ,mr4 ,l9coln _h *ang$ 8 op9ions1 & became a believ] 9 ! tru? ( ! ,*ri/ian religion2 t ,mr4 ,l9coln & myself nev] conv]s$ ^u t subject1 & ,i _h no p]sonal k z to 8 alleg$ *ange ( op9ion4 ,i /at$1 h[ev]1 t x 0 c]ta9ly true t up to t "t ,mr4 ,l9coln _h nev] regul>ly att5d$ any place ( religi\s wor%ip1 b t aft] t "t he r5t$ a pew 9 ! ,fir/ ,presbyt]ian *ur*1 & ) 8 family con/antly att5d$ ! wor%ip 9 t *ur* until he w5t to ,wa%+ton z ,presid5t4 ,?is mu* ,i said at ! "t1 & ,i c n[ add t ! ,hon4 ,n9ian ,w4 ,edw>ds1 ! bro!r-9-law ( ,mr4 ,l9coln1 has1 )9 a few days1 in=m$ me t :5 ,mr4 ,l9coln comm5c$ att5d+ ! ,fir/ ,presbyt]ian *ur* he admitt$ to him t 8 views _h und]gone ! *ange claim$ by ,dr4 ,smi?4 ,i w\ld fur!r say t ,dr4 ,smi? 0 a man ( great ability1 & on !ological & metaphysical subjects _h few sup]iors & n _m equals4 ,tru?fulness 0 a prom95t trait 9 ,mr4 ,l9coln's "*1 & x w\ld be impossible = any intimate fri5d ( 8 to believe t he ev] aim$ to deceive1 ei!r by 8 words or 8 conduct4 ,y\rs truly1 ,john ,t4 ,/u>t4 ,col4 ,ma!ny's disclaim] is z foll[s3 ,spr+field1 ,dec4 #af?1 #ahgb4 ,rev4 ,j4 ,a4 ,re$3 ,de> ,sir-- ,! language attribut$ to me 9 ,lamon's book is n f my p54 ,i did n write x1 & x does n express my s5tim5ts ( ,mr4 ,l9coln's entire life & "*4 ,x is a m]e collection ( say+s ga!r$ f private conv]sations t 7 only true ( ,mr4 ,l9coln's e>li] life4 ,i w\ld n h all[$ su* an article to be pr9t$ ov] my signature z cov]+ my op9ion ( ,mr4 ,l9coln's life & religi\s s5tim5ts4 ,:ile ,i d believe ,mr4 ,l9coln to h be5 an ,infidel 9 8 =m] life1 :5 8 m9d 0 z yet un=m$1 & 8 associations pr9cipally ) r\gh & skeptical m51 yet ,i believe he 0 a v diff]5t man 9 lat] life1 & t aft] associat+ ) a diff]5t class ( m5 & inve/igat+ ! subject1 he 0 a firm believ] 9 ! ,*ri/ian religion4 ,y\rs truly1 ,jas4 ,h4 ,ma!ny4 ,?is disclosure />tles y1 my de> read]4 ,b be pati5t4 ,i w %[ y t ?is app>5tly mortal ?ru/ ( ,dr4 ,re$'s 0 made1 n ) a lance1 b ) a boom]ang4 ,:5 ,re$ made 8 assault ^u ,lamon's witnesses1 all /ood firm b two--two old ,spr+field politicians ^: political aspirations _h n yet become ext9ct--,john ,t4 ,/u>t & ,james ,h4 ,ma!ny4 ,^! m5 _h be5 among ! fir/ to te/ify 9 reg>d to ,l9coln's unbelief4 ,8 ,*ri/ian biograph]s _h misrepres5t$ 8 religi\s views2 !y believ$ t ! fraud ought to be expos$1 & !y 7 ready & will+ to aid 9 ! "w4 ,_! te/imony exhibits a frankness t is truly comm5dable4 ,!y knew t ly+ 0 a vice1 b !y did n "k t tru?-tell+ 0 a crime4 ,!y _h yet to le>n t ! *ur* tol]ates murd] m readily ?an ! promulgation ( a tru? t is antagoni/ic to h] cre$4 ,b ?is fact !y 7 de/9$ to le>n4 ,lamon's "w _h sc>cely be5 issu$ f ! press be=e he 0 ana!matiz$ & 8 book proscrib$4 ,! m]ciless attack t _h already be5 comm5c$ ^u ,h]ndon port5d$ dang] to !m4 ,nor _h !y long to wait4 ,9 ,decemb]1 #ahgb1 !y 7 approa*$ by ,re$ & 8 coadjutors4 ,!y 7 in=m$ t ! idol :i* _! ru?less iconoclasm _h help$ to break mu/ be repair$4 ,!y 7 giv5 to und]/& t if !y rep5t$ ( ! "p !y _h p]=m$ & recant$1 peace w\ld be _! portion "h & endless bliss h]eaft]2 b t if !y did n1 endless mis]y w\ld beg9 on ,jan4 #a1 a4d4 #ahgc4 ,! situation 0 critical4 ,!y did n l to tell ! _w t !y _h borne false witness aga9/ ! dead1 nor did !y1 any m ?an ,galileo1 wi% to we> a m>tyr's cr[n4 ,a compromise 0 f9ally effect$4 ,x 0 incid5tally asc]ta9$ by ,re$ t _! evid5ce z pres5t$ by ,lamon 0 n orig9ally giv5 9 ! %ape ( a lett] or a writt5 /atem5t1 b orally4 ,a happy ?\ght sugge/$ itself--"o wor?y ( ! unscrupul\s !ological pettifogg] t he is4 ,! ?\ght 0 ?is3 ,say to ! public1 or r let me say x = y1 t y did n write a ^w ( ! te/imony attribut$ to y4 ,j z a witness 9 c\rt might po9t to ! /5ograph]'s report ( 8 te/imony & say1 ,i did n write a ^w ( t4 ,9 addition to ?is1 ,mr4 ,/u>t1 9 endeavor+ to expla9 away1 z f> z possible1 ! obnoxi\s "* ( 8 te/imony1 decl>$ t "s ?+s :i* he did say at ! "t 8 te/imony 0 giv5 _h be5 omitt$2 :ile some?+ he did n say 0 ins]t$4 ,!y 7 bo? trivial matt]s1 h>dly wor?y ( notice1 ev5 if true1 & hav+ no especial be>+ ^u ! case4 ,b !y s]v$ an admirable purpose 9 enabl+ ,re$ to say t ! te/imony adduc$ by ,lamon 0 abridg$ & di/ort$4 ,/u>t's disclaim]1 !n1 dive/$ ( its mislead+ v]biage1 conta9s b two po9ts4 ,9 ! fir/ place1 he says3 ,i c\ld n h said t ',dr4 ,smi? tri$ to conv]t ,l9coln f ,infidelity s late z #aheh1 & c\ldn't d x4' ,?is s5t5ce1 l ev]y?+ else 9 ^! disclaim]s1 is cunn+ly word$ & int5d$ to deceive4 ,"o w\ld naturally suppose ! idea he int5ds to convey is t he nev] decl>$ t ,dr4 ,smi? tri$ to conv]t ,l9coln & c\ldn't d x4 ,?is1 x has be5 asc]ta9$1 is n 8 mean+4 ,:at he means is ?is3 ,i c\ld n h said t ',dr4 ,smi? tri$ to conv]t ,l9coln f ,infidelity1 s late z #aheh1 & c\ldn't d x4' ,8 d5ial is a m]e quibble ab\t a date4 ,he did und\bt$ly say j :at he is report$ to h said4 ,b admitt+ a d\bt1 & giv+ him ! b5efit ( ?is d\bt1 by ?r[+ out ! disput$ date1 ! passage is n less damag+ ?an x 0 be=e3 ,dr4 ,smi? tri$ to conv]t ,l9coln f ,infidelity1 & c\ldn't d x4 ,b let u omit ! entire s5t5ce1 & ! te/imony ( ,mr4 ,/u>t t rema9s1 ab\t :i* !re is no dispute1 t portion ( 8 te/imony :i* he admits to be correct--is z foll[s3 ,l9coln w5t fur!r aga9/ ,*ri/ian beliefs & doctr9es & pr9ciples ?an any man ,i ev] he>d2 he %ock$ me4 ,i don't rememb] ! exact l9e ( 8 argum5t2 suppose x 0 aga9/ ! inh]5t defects1 s call$1 ( ! ,bible1 & on gr\nds ( reason4 ,l9coln always d5i$ t ,jesus 0 ! ,*ri/ ( ,god--d5i$ t ,jesus 0 ! ,son ( ,god1 z und]/ood & ma9ta9$ by ! ,*ri/ian *ur*4 ,9 ! second place1 ,mr4 ,/u>t compla9s t ! rumors conc]n+ ,dr4 ,smi?'s attempt$ conv]sion ( ,l9coln :i* he _h m5tion$ to ,mr4 ,h]ndon at ! "t ( giv+ 8 te/imony1 7 omitt$4 ,!y 71 & v prop]ly1 too4 ,mr4 ,/u>t1 or any o!r good lawy]1 w\ld h omitt$ !m4 ,mr4 ,h]ndon desir$ him to te/ify ab\t :at he knew1 & n ab\t :at he _h he>d1 especially z he 0 go+ to headqu>t]s 9 reg>d to ^! rumors4 ,he wrote to ,dr4 ,smi? himself ab\t !m1 receiv$ 8 te/imony1 & gave x to ! public4 ,/u>t affects to believe t ?is /ory1 :i* ,n9ian ,edw>ds is dragg$ ar\nd by ,re$ to v]ify1 may possibly h be5 true4 ,b 9 ! same s5t5ce1 he refutes ?is idea1 & refutes ! claim itself1 by say+3 ,i _h no p]sonal k z to 8 alleg$ *ange ( op9ion4 ,/u>t 0 a family connection ( ,l9coln1 & if ,l9coln _h be5 conv]t$1 he1 z well z e o!r p]son 9 ,spr+field1 w\ld h kn[n x4 ,he /ates t ,dr4 ,smi?'s fir/ visit to ,l9coln 0 at ! sugge/ion ( a lady fri5d4 ,to h avoid$ ano!r gl>+ contradiction 9 ! evid5ce ( 8 witnesses1 ,re$ %\ld h _h ,major ,/u>t /ate t ?is lady fri5d 0 ,?omas ,lewis4 ,z x is1 ! acc\nt giv5 by ,/u>t ( ,dr4 ,smi?'s fir/ visit & acqua9tance ) ,l9coln is entirely at v>iance ) ! acc\nt giv5 by ,mr4 ,lewis 9 8 lett]1 quot$ 9 *apt] ,i4 ,mr4 ,/u>t evid5tly ent]ta9$ no v k9d op9ion ( ,colonel ,lamon's "w1 & ?is made him all ! m dispos$ to acc$e to ,re$'s dem&s4 ,8 position on ! slav]y "q1 = a "t1 0 "o :i*1 9 ! light ( subsequ5t ev5ts1 he _h no reason to be pr\d (1 & ,lamon 9 n>rat+ ! acts ( ,l9coln's life f\nd x necess>y frequ5tly to ref] to ?is4 ,su* passages z ! foll[+ 7 calculat$ n only to make him (f5d$ at ,lamon1 b jeal\s ( ,h]ndon3 ,john ,t4 ,/u>t 0 keep+ 8 eye on ,l9coln1 ) ! view ( keep+ him on 8 side--! totally dead cons]vative side4 ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 beset by w>m fri5ds & by old coadjutors1 & bes\ght to pause 9 8 anti-slav]y c\rse :ile !re 0 yet "t4 ,among ^! !re 0 none m e>ne/ or p]suasive ?an ,john ,t4 ,/u>t1 :o 0 b ! type ( a class4444 ,b ,mr4 ,h]ndon 0 m ?an a mat* = ! full array aga9/ him4 ,an e>ne/ man1 in/ant 9 season & out ( season1 he spoke ) ! eloqu5ce ( app>5t tru? & ( real p]sonal love 7,life ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #cgd1 #ceb74 ,colonel ,ma!ny 0 n prep>$ to d5y ! correctness ( a s+le /atem5t 9 8 te/imony1 b 0 =c$ to modify its be>+ z a :ole4 ,he 0 made to say3 ,x does n express my s5tim5ts ( ,mr4 ,l9coln's entire life & "*4 ,n[1 anyone :o reads 8 evid5ce _c fail to obs]ve t he did int5d to cov] ,l9coln's entire life & "*4 ,!re is n 9 x ! slighte/ intimation t he ref]r$ m]ely to a "p ( 8 life4 ,inde$1 !re is "o /atem5t 9 8 evid5ce :i* utt]ly precludes su* an assumption4 ,he expressly says3 ,i nev] he>d t ,l9coln *ang$ 8 views1 ?\gh 8 p]sonal & political fri5d f #ahcd to #ahfj4 ,b ,re$ mu/ h a suffici5t portion ( 8 life res]v$ 9 :i* to inject ! /ory ( 8 alleg$ conv]sion2 & s ,ma!ny's (f5se 0 condon$ on ! condition t he reta9 ! e>li] "p ( ,l9coln's life = 8 te/imony to re/ ^u1 & conc$e ! rema9d] to ,re$ = ,! ,lat] ,life & ,religi\s ,s5tim5ts ( ,l9coln4 ,?is division ( ,l9coln's life is q indef9ite1 b ,re$ w\ld h u believe t ,colonel ,ma!ny's evid5ce relates :olly to t portion ( 8 life ant]ior to #ahdh1 :5 ,dr4 ,smi? began ! task ( ,*ri/ianiz+ him4 ,ma!ny's disclaim] is dat$ ,dec4 #af1 #ahgb4 ,on ,dec4 #i1 #ahgc1 he made ! foll[+ explanation1 :i* 0 publi%$ 9 a ,spr+field pap]3 ,:at ,i mean1 9 my ,re$ lett]1 by ,mr4 ,l9coln's e>li] life1 is 8 :ole life & hi/ory 9 ,ill9ois4 ,9 ,ill9ois1 & up to ! "t he left = ,wa%+ton1 he 01 z ,i und]/& x1 a confirm$ ,infidel4 ,:at ,i mean by ,mr4 ,l9coln's lat] life1 is 8 ,wa%+ton life1 :]e he associat$ ) religi\s p1 :5 & :]e ,i believe he ?\ght he became a ,*ri/ian4 ,i told ,mr4 ,re$ all ?is j be=e sign+ ! lett] spok5 (4 ,i knew no?+ ( ,mr4 ,l9coln's inve/igation into ! subject ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,he says t 8 evid5ce is a m]e collection ( say+s ga!r$ f private conv]sations4 ,x is d\btless true t he _h _m private conv]sations ) ,mr4 ,h]ndon on ?is subject2 b 8 publi%$ te/imony 0 all giv5 at "o sitt+1 & m1 he sign$ t te/imony4 ,e ^w attribut$ to him 9 ,lamon's "w1 & repeat$ 9 ?is *apt]1 orig9ally appe>$ above 8 signature4 ,! conclud+ words ( 8 disclaim] are z foll[s3 ,:ile ,i d believe ,mr4 ,l9coln to h be5 an ,infidel 9 8 =m] life1 :5 8 m9d 0 z yet un=m$1 & 8 associations pr9cipally ) r\gh & skeptical m51 yet ,i believe he 0 a v diff]5t man 9 lat] life2 & t aft] associat+ ) a diff]5t class ( m51 & inve/igat+ ! subject1 he 0 a firm believ] 9 ! ,*ri/ian religion4 ,^! words1 z modifi$ by ! foll[+1 con/itute a mo/ rem>kable /atem5t3 ,9 ,ill9ois1 & up to ! "t he left = ,wa%+ton1 he 01 z ,i und]/& x1 a confirm$ ,infidel4 ,:at ,i mean by ,mr4 ,l9coln's lat] life1 is 8 ,wa%+ton life1 :]e he associat$ ) religi\s p4 ,colonel ,ma!ny conf9es ,l9coln's ,infidelity to t portion ( 8 life :5 8 m9d 0 z yet un=m$1 & affirms t ?is portion compris$ all ! ye>s prec$+ 8 removal to ,wa%+ton 9 #ahfa4 ,?us dur+ ! fir/ fifty-two ye>s ( ,l9coln's life1 8 m9d 0 z yet un=m$4 ,8 enviable reputation z "o ( ! =emo/ lawy]s ( ,ill9ois 0 a*iev$ :ile 8 m9d 0 z yet un=m$2 :5 8 fri5ds s5t him to ,congress 8 m9d 0 z yet un=m$2 :5 he made 8 ,bloom+ton spee*1 8 m9d 0 z yet un=m$2 :5 he deliv]$ 8 fam\s ,spr+field spee*1 8 m9d 0 z yet un=m$2 :5 he conduct$ 8 ma/]ly debates ) ,/eph5 ,a4 ,d\glas1 8 m9d 0 z yet un=m$2 :5 he prep>$ & deliv]$ t model ( political addresses1 ! ,coop] ,in/itute address1 8 m9d 0 z yet un=m$2 :5 at ! ,*icago ,conv5tion he out/ripp$ 9 ! race = ,presid5tial nom9ee su* em95t lead]s z ,sew>d & ,*ase1 8 m9d 0 z yet un=m$2 :5 he 0 elect$ ,*ief ,magi/rate ( ?is great nation1 8 m9d 0 z yet un=m$4 ,x 0 only by leav+ ,ill9ois & go+ to ,wa%+ton t he 0 ?r[n into religi\s society4 ,wa%+ton politicians are not$ = _! piety1 y "k4 ,accord+ to ,ma!ny et al41 ,new ,salem 0 a second ,sodom1 ,spr+field a second ,gomorrah & ,wa%+ton a sort ( ,new ,j]usalem1 inhabit$ *iefly by sa9ts4 ,nei!r 9 ,ma!ny's lett]1 nor 9 8 int]pretation ( ?is lett]1 is !re a ^w to indicate t he recogniz$ ! fact t ,l9coln w5t to ,wa%+ton to assume ! (fice & p]=m ! duties ( ,presid5t4 ,on ! contr>y1 ! :ole t5or ( 8 rem>ks is to ! effect t he believ$ ! p s5t him !re on acc\nt ( 8 wick$ness1 & :ile 8 m9d 0 z yet un=m$1 to att5d a re=m s*ool1 & t subsequ5tly he ent]$ a !ological sem9>y1 & !re di$4 ,! mo/ amus+ feature ( ,ma!ny's lett] is t he unwitt+ly c]tifies t 8 own "* 0 n good4 ,he decl>es t ,l9coln 0 an ,infidel because 8 associations 7 ) r\gh & skeptical m52 b t aft] remov+ to ,wa%+ton & associat+ ) a diff]5t class ( m5 he became a ,*ri/ian4 ,n[1 x is well kn[n t "o ( ! mo/ conspicu\s ( 8 r\gh & skeptical associates 9 ,ill9ois 0 ,james ,h4 ,ma!ny4 ,colonel ,ma!ny1 9 8 explanatory rem>ks1 says3 ,i believe he ?\ght he became a ,*ri/ian2 & 9 almo/ ! next brea? says1 ,i knew no?+ ( ,mr4 ,l9coln's inve/igation into ! subject ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,c any?+ be m unreasonable ?an ?is8 ,colonel ,ma!ny kn[+ t ,l9coln 0 a confirm$ ,infidel--an ,infidel :5 he w5t to ,wa%+ton--kn[+ no?+ ab\t 8 hav+ aft]w>d inve/igat$ ,*ri/ianity--kn[+ t he _h no "t = su* an inve/igation1 & yet believ+ t ,l9coln ?\ght he became a ,*ri/ian6 ,:y did he n m5tion ?is :5 he gave 8 te/imony8 ,! fact is1 he did n believe t ,l9coln became a ,*ri/ian2 b ) an or?odox club rais$ above 8 head1 he f\nd x v conv5i5t to pr(ess to believe x4 ,z ,mr4 ,re$ has endeavor$ to prove t ,lamon & ,h]ndon did n fai?fully report ! evid5ce ( ,/u>t & ,ma!ny1 x is b j t ,mr4 ,h]ndon1 :o took d[n _! te/imony1 be p]mitt$ to speak 9 8 own def5se4 ,9 8 ,spr+field lecture1 deliv]$ 9 ,major ,/u>t's t[n1 if n 9 8 pres5ce1 ref]r+ to ,/u>t's te/imony1 he says3 ,mr4 ,/u>t did n write ! note & no "o ev] said he did4 ,:at is !re /at$ 0 ! sub/ance ( a conv]sation betwe5 ,mr4 ,/u>t & myself ab\t ,mr4 ,l9coln's religion4 ,i took d[n 9 a note 9 8 (fice & 9 8 pres5ce 8 words & ideas z ,i did 9 o!r cases4 ,! conv]sation spok5 ( took place 9 ,mr4 ,/u>t's (fice1 & 9 ! ea/ room4 ,mr4 ,/u>t does n d5y t ! note is sub/antially correct4 ,he simply says he c\ld n h said t ,dr4 ,smi? tri$ to conv]t ,mr4 ,l9coln1 & c\ldn't d x4 ,i well rememb] t he did use ?is language4 ,x seem$ to d him good to say x4444 ,x seems t ,mr4 ,/u>t _h he>d t ,mr4 ,l9coln & ,dr4 ,smi? _h mu* discussion ab\t ,*ri/ianity1 b he fail$ to he> ( ,mr4 ,l9coln's conv]sion1 or any?+ l x1 & well might he say1 z he did1 t ',dr4 ,smi? tri$ to conv]t ,mr4 ,l9coln1 b c\ldn't d x4' ,any *>itably dispos$ p]son1 kn[+ ! g5]al good "* ( bo? m51 in/ead ( cry+ ,fraud6 z ,re$ has done1 w readily conclude t ,mr4 ,h]ndon 0 mi/ak51 or t ,mr4 ,/u>t _h =gott5 j :at he did say1 & is x n m reasonable to suppose t ! latt] g5tleman1 9 ! lapse ( six ye>s1 %\ld h =gott5 "s ?+s he said1 ?an t ,mr4 ,h]ndon1 :o record$ !m ! mom5t !y 7 utt]$1 %\ld be mi/ak58 ,allud+ to ,colonel ,ma!ny's evid5ce1 9 ! same lecture1 ,mr4 ,h]ndon says3 ,! next g5tleman introduc$ by ,mr4 ,re$ is ,col4 ,james ,h4 ,ma!ny4 ,he is made to say1 9 a lett] address$ to ,mr4 ,re$1 t he did n write ! /atem5t 9 ,lamon's ',life ( ,l9coln4' ,i d n claim t he did4 ,i wrote x 9 ! c\rt h\se--?is hall--9 ,mr4 ,ma!ny's pres5ce1 & at 8 dictation4 ,i read x ov] to him & he approv$ x4 ,i wrote x all at once z he spoke x to me2 x is n made up ( scraps--'a m]e collection ( say+s ga!r$ f private conv]sations1 t 7 only true ( ,mr4 ,l9coln's e>li] life4' ,i say t ?is /atem5t 0 writt5 all at "o "t & place1 & n at diff]5t times & places4 ,let any critic1 any man ( common s5se1 read x & he w say3 ',?is 0 all writt5 at once4' ,i appeal to ! mann]--! close connection ( words & ideas 9 :i* x runs--^w ) ^w1 s5t5ce ) s5t5ce1 & idea ) idea1 = ! pro( t x 0 made at "o sitt+4 ,mr4 ,ma!ny has (t5 told me t ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 an ,infidel4 ,he admits ?is 9 8 lett] to ,mr4 ,re$4 ,he nev] intimat$ 9 t or any o!r conv]sation ) me t he believ$ t ,mr4 ,l9coln 9 8 lat] life became a ,*ri/ian4 ,9 a lett] dat$ ,sept4 #ad1 #ahhg1 ,mr4 ,h]ndon writes3 ,i act$ 9 ?is matt] hone/ly1 & ,i w always abide by my notes tak5 d[n at ! "t4 ,i 0 cauti\s--v c>eful ( :at ,i did1 because ,i knew t ! *ur* w\ld damn me & prove me false if x c\ld4 ,i /ood on ! exactness ( tru? squ>ely4 ,i h ?us f> assum$ t ,/u>t & ,ma!ny really wrote ! lett]s ( disclaim] address$ to ,re$4 ,mr4 ,re$ /ates t he is amaz$ to f9d t !y did n write ! /atem5ts attribut$ to !m by ,lamon4 ,! read] is by ?is "t suffici5tly famili> ) ?is rev]5d g5tleman's me?ods t he w n be amaz$ to f9d t ,/u>t & ,ma!ny did n write ^! disclaim]s4 ,i n[ affirm t ,james ,h4 ,ma!ny did n write a ^w ( ! lett] purport+ to h be5 writt5 by him4 ,x 0 writt5 by ! ,rev4 ,j4 ,a4 ,re$6 ,we h n ! express$ decl>ation ( ,mr4 ,/u>t t ?is is true ( ! lett] imput$ to him1 b !re is o!r evid5ce :i* makes x cle>ly app>5t t ?is lett] 0 also writt5 by ,mr4 ,re$4 ,nor is ?is all4 ,i %all n[ endeavor to %[ t ! great] "p ( ! evid5ce pres5t$ by ,re$1 9 8 lecture1 0 compos$ & writt5 by himself4 ,let u take ! f\r lett]s cr$it$ respectively to ,edw>ds1 ,lewis1 ,/u>t1 & ,ma!ny4 ,i %all attempt to demon/rate ! common orig9 ( ^! lett]s1 fir/1 by _! =m2 secondly1 by ! language ( _! cont5ts4 ,! diff]5t =ms employ$ 9 epi/ol>y correspond5ce are num]\s1 f> m num]\s ?an g5]ally suppos$4 ,to illu/rate3 f\r hundr$ lett]s1 writt5 by z _m diff]5t p]sons1 & all address$ to ! same p]son1 71 )\t exam9ation1 divid$ into "o hundr$ p>cels ( f\r lett]s ea*4 ,!y 7 !n exam9$ 9 reg>d to ! =m employ$ by ! writ]4 ,! head+1 ! address1 ! introduction1 & ! subscription 7 not$--no att5tion be+ paid to ! body ( ! lett]1 or ! signature4 ,9 n "o ( ^! "o hundr$ p>cels 7 f\nd f\r lett]s hav+ ! same =m4 ,! head+ ( ^! lett]s exhibit$ n9e diff]5t =ms2 ! address1 f\rte52 ! introduction1 eight2 & ! subscription1 elev54 ,aga91 ne>ly e writ] employs c]ta9 idioms ( language t are peculi> to him1 & :i* reveal 8 id5tity1 ev5 ?\gh he tries to conceal x4 ,let u n[ in/itute a brief analysis ( ! f\r lett]s "u consid]ation4 ,errors w be notic$1 n = ! purpose ( reflect+ ^u ! lit]>y atta9m5ts ( ! writ]1 b solely ) a view ( discov]+ 8 id5tity4 ,^! are mo/ly ( a trivial "*1 conf9$ to m>ks ( punctuation1 etc42 & x is a recogniz$ fact t a majority ( educat$ p]sons1 includ+ _m pr(essional writ]s1 are m or less defici5t 9 ! art ( punctuation4 ,9 pro( ( ! common au?or%ip ( ^! f\r lett]s1 ! foll[+ reasons are submitt$3 #a4 ,9 all ( !m we recognize a /iff =mality--a /udi$ ef=t to con=m to "o ideal /&>d4 #b4 ,all ( !m 7 writt5 at ,spr+field1 ,ill41 & all omit ! "n ( ! /ate4 #c4 ,9 ea* ( !m1 ! day ( ! mon? is foll[$ by ! suffix1 ?4 ,?is1 if n :olly improp]1 is n common usage4 ,_h ^! lett]s be5 writt5 by ! f\r p]sons to :om !y are ascrib$1 at lea/ ?ree ( !m w\ld h omitt$ x4 #d ,9 all1 b "o1 ! address is ,rev4 ,j4 ,a4 ,re$1 & 9 ! exception ! writ] m]ely sub/itutes ,jas4 = ,j4 #e4 ,9 ea* ( !m ! address is foll[$ by a colon in/ead ( a comma1 ! prop] m>k to use4 ,_h !y be5 writt5 by f\r p]sons1 x is possible t a "p1 or ev5 all1 w\ld h made an error1 b x is highly improbable t all w\ld h made ! same error4 #f4 ,9 ^! lett]s1 ! introductory words are uni=mly ,de> ,sir--! mo/ common =m ( introduction1 & ! "o t a writ]1 9 draft+ a lett] address$ to himself1 w\ld mo/ naturally employ4 #g4 ,9 e in/ance1 ! introduction is foll[$ by a da% in/ead ( a colon--a uni=mity ( error1 aga94 #h4 ,9 ! subscription1 ! t]m1 ,y\rs truly1 is inv>iably us$1 except 9 ! ,lewis lett]1 :i* concludes ) ,y\rs1 etc4 #i4 ,! ,edw>ds lett] & ! ,lewis lett] beg9 ) ! same idea1 express$ 9 ne>ly ! same words4 ,edw>ds is made to say1 ,a %ort "t aft] ! ,rev4 ,dr4 ,smi?1 etc42 & ,lewis--,n long aft] ,dr4 ,smi?4 #aj4 ,omitt+ ! introductory s5t5ce 9 ! ,/u>t lett]1 :i* is m]ely ! expansion ( an idea us$ 9 writ+ ! ,ma!ny lett] on ! prec$+ day1 ! ,/u>t & ,ma!ny lett]s beg9 ) ! same idea4 ,/u>t says3 ,! language ( t /atem5t is n m9e2 x 0 n writt5 by me4 ,ma!ny says3 ,! language attribut$ to me444 is n f my p54 ,i did n write x4 ,re$ himself uses sub/antially ! same language t is ascrib$ to !m4 ,_h _! /atem5ts1 z publi%$ 9 ,lamon's "w1 be5 =g]ies1 or grossly inaccurate1 !y might h us$ ! language quot$ above4 ,"u ! circum/ances !y w\ld n h us$ x4 ,major ,/u>t & ,colonel ,ma!ny 7 lawy]s1 n pettifogg]s4 #aa4 ,^! prefatory s5t5ces ( ,/u>t & ,ma!ny bo? beg9 ) ! same words--! language4 #ab4 ,9 bo? ! ,edw>ds & ,lewis lett]s1 ref]5ce is made to a !ological "w :i* ,dr4 ,smi? is said to h writt54 ,! writ] ( nei!r lett] is able to /ate ! "n ( ! book2 ,dr4 ,re$ is unable to /ate ! "n ( x2 ,dr4 ,smi? himself does n m5tion ! "n ( x2 b he does pla9ly /ate t x 0 a "w on ! ,bible4 ,= ! bus9ess he _h on h&1 h[ev]1 x suit$ ,re$'s purpose bett] to give a semi-errone\s impression ( its "*1 & s he affirms t x 0 a "w on ! evid5ces ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,curi\sly en\gh1 9 ! ,edw>ds lett] & aga9 9 ! ,lewis lett]1 ! book is describ$ z a "w on ! evid5ces ( ,*ri/ianity4 #ac4 ,! ,edw>ds lett] reports ,l9coln z say+3 ,i h be5 read+ a "w ( ,dr4 ,smi? on ! evid5ces ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,! ,lewis lett] repres5ts him z say+ t ,he _h se5 & p>tially read a "w ( ,dr4 ,smi? on ! evid5ces ( ,*ri/ianity ,"h are t5 consecutive words 9 ! two lett]s id5tical4 #ad4 ,mr4 ,re$1 9 8 lecture1 nev] once uses ! ^w ,*ri/ianity1 except z above notic$ to describe ,dr4 ,smi?'s book2 he always uses ! words ! ,*ri/ian religion--employ+ ?is t]m no less ?an sev5 times4 ,?is usage is n common4 ,an exam9ation ( v>i\s !ological writ+s %[s t ,*ri/ianity is us$ tw5ty times :]e ! ,*ri/ian religion is us$ once4 ,yet 9 ^! lett]s ! ^w ,*ri/ianity is n to be f\nd1 except 9 ! same s5se z us$ by ,dr4 ,re$1 :ile ! ,*ri/ian religion occurs 9 ea* ( ! f\r lett]s4 #ae4 ,! tru? ( ! ,*ri/ian religion is a favorite phrase ) ,re$1 occurr+ ?ree times 9 8 lecture4 ,?is phrase also occurs ?ree times 9 ^! lett]s--once 9 ! ,edw>ds lett]1 & twice 9 ! ,/u>t lett]4 #af4 ,re$ has mu* to say ab\t ,l9coln's life & religi\s s5tim5ts2 9 fact1 8 lecture is entitl$1 ,! ,lat] ,life & ,religi\s ,s5tim5ts ( ,abraham ,l9coln4 ,9 ! ,ma!ny lett]1 too1 we f9d ,mr4 ,l9coln's life & religi\s s5tim5ts4 #ag4 ,! words e>li] & lat] are frequ5tly us$ by ,re$ 9 connection ) ,l9coln's life4 ,! same words are us$ 9 ! ,/u>t & ,ma!ny lett]s1 & 9 ! same connection4 #ah4 ,! ,/u>t lett] is1 = ! mo/ "p1 devot$ to ! n>ration ( "s facts :i* ,mr4 ,/u>t is said to h pres5t$ to ,mr4 ,h]ndon1 beg9n+ ) ?is3 ,t ,eddie1 a *ild ( ,mr4 ,l9coln1 di$ 9 #ahdh or #ahdi1 etc4 ,n[1 ,mr4 ,/u>t well knew t1 dur+ all ?is "t1 ,mr4 ,h]ndon 0 ! intimate associate ( ,l9coln & ?or\ghly famili> ) e ev5t 9 8 hi/ory4 ,! facts giv5 9 ?is lett] are n su* z ,mr4 ,/u>t w\ld h communicat$ to ,mr4 ,h]ndon1 b !y are su* z ,mr4 ,re$ w\ld naturally desire to place be=e ! public4 #ai4 ,no?+ 9 ,dr4 ,re$'s c>e] has excit$ 8 vanity m ?an ! fact t he 0 pa/or ( ! ,fir/ ,presbyt]ian ,*ur* ( ,spr+field--! *ur* :i* ,l9coln once att5d$4 ,consequ5tly1 ! ,fir/ ,presbyt]ian ,*ur* is a conspicu\s object 9 8 lecture1 & n[h]e is x m conspicu\s ?an 9 ^! lett]s4 ,9 ! ,/u>t lett] x appe>s ?ree times1 & ! writ] nev] fails to /ate t x 0 ! ,fir/ ,presbyt]ian ,*ur*--! *ur* ( :i* ,dr4 ,re$ 0 pa/or4 #bj4 ,accord+ to ! pr9ciple ( accretion1 if two articles or lett]s are writt5 on ! same subject1 ! second w usually be long] ?an ! fir/4 ,?is is true ( ^! lett]s4 ,! ,lewis lett]1 relat+ to ,smi?'s reput$ conv]sion ( ,l9coln1 0 writt5 aft] ! ,edw>ds lett] relative to ! same subject1 & is long]4 ,! ,/u>t disclaim]1 :i* is ! long] ( ! two1 0 writt5 aft] ! ,ma!ny disclaim]4 ,f ! =ego+1 is x n cle>ly evid5t t ^! f\r lett]s 7 all writt5 by ! same p]son8 ,if s1 !n kn[+ t ,dr4 ,re$ wrote "o ( !m1 ! ,ma!ny lett]1 does x n necess>ily foll[ t he wrote !m all8 ,9 ! ,gurley te/imony1 su* expressions z ! ,*ri/ian religion & ! tru? ( ! ,*ri/ian religion1 toge!r ) ! ,re$ /ory conc]n+ ,l9coln's int5tion ( mak+ a pr(ession ( religion1 reveal ! au?or%ip ( ?is te/imony also4 ,,*apt] ,,ix4 ,,te/imony ,,( ,,! ,,rema9+ ,,witnesses ,,pres5t$ ,,by ,,lamon ,dr4 ,c4 ,h4 ,ray--,wm4 ,h4 ,hannah1 ,esq4--,james ,w4 ,keys--,hon4 ,jesse ,w4 ,fell--,col4 ,john ,g4 ,nicolay--,hon4 ,david ,davis--,mrs4 ,m>y ,l9coln--,inju/ice to ,mrs4 ,l9coln--,answ] to ,re$'s ,pret5d$ ,refutation ( ! ,te/imony ( ,lamon's ,witnesses4 ,sev5 ( ,lamon's witnesses--,ray1 ,hannah1 ,keys1 ,fell1 ,nicolay1 ,davis1 & ,mrs4 ,l9coln--rema9 to te/ify4 ,! te/imony ( ^! witnesses w n[ be pres5t$4 ,,dr4 ,c4 ,h4 ,,ray4 ,dr4 ,kay1 editor ( ! ,*icago ,tribune1 a prom95t figure 9 ,ill9ois politics ?irty ye>s ago1 & a p]sonal fri5d & admir] ( ,l9coln1 te/ifies z foll[s3 ,y knew ,mr4 ,l9coln f> bett] ?an ,i did1 ?\gh ,i knew him well2 & y h s]v$ up 8 lead+ *>act]i/ics 9 a way t ,i %\ld despair ( do+1 if ,i %\ld try4 ,i h only "o ?+ to ask3 t y d n give ,calv9i/ic !ology a *ance to claim him z "o ( its sa9ts & m>tyrs4 ,he w5t to ! ,old ,s*ool ,*ur*2 b1 9 spite ( t outw>d ass5t to ! horrible dogmas ( ! sect1 ,i h reason f himself to "k t 8 'vital purity4' if t means belief 9 ! impossible1 0 ( a negative sort 7,lamon's ,life ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #dhi1 #dij74 ,dr4 ,kay /ates t ,l9coln held sub/antially ! same !ological op9ions z ^? held by ,!odore ,p>k]4 ,,william ,h4 ,,hannah4 ,a lead+ memb] ( ! ,bloom+ton b>1 :5 ,l9coln practic$ !re1 0 ,wm4 ,h4 ,hannah4 ,he 0 an hone/1 tru?ful man1 & knew ,l9coln well4 ,conc]n+ ,l9coln's views on ! doctr9e ( endless puni%m5t1 ,mr4 ,hannah says3 ,s9ce #ahef ,mr4 ,l9coln told me t he 0 a k9d ( immortali/2 b t he nev] c\ld br+ himself to believe 9 et]nal puni%m5t2 t man liv$ b a little :ile "h1 & t1 if et]nal puni%m5t 7 man's doom1 he %\ld sp5d t little life 9 vigilant & ceaseless prep>ation by nev]-end+ pray] 7,life ( ,l9coln1 p4 #dhi74 ,,james ,w4 ,,keys4 ,mr4 ,jas4 ,w4 ,keys1 an old & respect$ citiz5 ( ,spr+field1 :o became acqua9t$ ) ,l9coln soon aft] 8 removal !re1 & :o _h _m conv]sations ) him on ! subject ( !ology1 says3 ,z to ! ,*ri/ian !ory1 t ,*ri/ is ,god1 or equal to ! ,creator1 he said t x _h bett] be tak5 = grant$2 =1 by ! te/ ( reason1 we might become ,infidels on t subject1 = evid5ce ( ,*ri/'s div9ity came to u 9 a some:at d\btful %ape 7,life ( ,l9coln1 p4 #dij74 ,,hon4 ,,jesse ,w4 ,,fell4 ,jesse ,w4 ,fell1 :o di$ at ,bloom+ton 9 ! spr+ ( #ahhg1 0 "o ( ! be/ kn[n & mo/ highly respect$ citiz5s ( ,ill9ois4 ,he 0 ,secret>y ( ! ,republican ,/ate ,c5tral ,committee dur+ ! memorable ,l9coln-,d\glas campaign1 & 0 l>gely in/rum5tal 9 br++ ,l9coln =w>d z a c&idate = ! ,presid5cy 9 #ahfj4 ,x 0 = him t ,l9coln wrote an autobiographical sket* ( 8 life1 :i* =m$ ! basis ( 8 campaign biographies1 ! facsimile ( :i* appe>s 9 ,lamon's ,life ( ,l9coln1 & 9 ! ,l9coln ,memorial ,album4 ,mr4 ,fell 0 a ,*ri/ian ( ! ,unit>ian d5om9ation1 & !re 7 few m5 = :om ,l9coln _h a m pr(\nd respect4 ,! foll[+ is 8 te/imony3 ,?\gh ev]y?+ relat+ to ! "* ( ?is extraord9>y p]sonage is ( int]e/1 & %\ld be fairly /at$ to ! _w1 ,i ent] ^u ! p]=mance ( ?is duty--= s ,i reg>d x--) "s reluctance1 aris+ f ! fact t1 9 /at+ my convictions on ! subject1 ,i mu/ necess>ily place myself 9 opposition to q a numb] :o h writt5 on ?is topic be=e me1 & ^: views l>gely pre-occupy ! public m9d4 ,?is latt] fact1 :il/ contribut+ to my emb>rassm5t on ?is subject1 is1 p]haps1 ! /ronge/ reason1 h[ev]1 :y ! tru? 9 ?is matt] %\ld be fully disclos$2 & ,i !re=e yield to y\r reque/4 ,if !re 7 any traits ( "* t /ood out 9 bold relief 9 ! p]son ( ,mr4 ,l9coln1 !y 7 ^? ( tru? & c&or4 ,he 0 utt]ly incapable ( ins9c]ity1 or pr(ess+ views on ?is or any o!r subject he did n ent]ta94 ,kn[+ su* to be 8 true "*1 t ins9c]ity1 mu* m duplicity1 7 traits :olly =eign to 8 nature1 _m ( 8 old fri5ds 7 n a little surpris$ at f9d+1 9 "s ( ! biographies ( ?is great man1 /atem5ts conc]n+ 8 religi\s op9ions s utt]ly at v>iance ) 8 kn[n s5tim5ts4 ,true1 he may h *ang$ or modifi$ ^? s5tim5ts aft] 8 removal f among u1 ?\gh ?is is h>dly reconcilable ) ! hi/ory ( ! man1 & 8 entire devotion to public matt]s dur+ 8 f\r ye>s' resid5ce at ! national capital4 ,x is possible1 h[ev]1 t ?is may be ! prop] solution ( ?is conflict ( op9ions2 or1 x may be1 t1 ) no int5tion on ! "p ( anyone to mislead ! public m9d1 ^? :o h repres5t$ him z believ+ 9 ! popul> !ological views ( ! times may h misappreh5d$ him1 z exp]i5ce %[s to be q common :]e no special ef=t has be5 made to atta9 critical accuracy on a subject ( ?is nature4 ,?is is ! m probable f ! well-kn[n fact t ,mr4 ,l9coln seldom communicat$ to anyone 8 views on ?is subject4 ,b1 be ?is z x may1 ,i h no hesitation :atev] 9 say+ t1 :il/ he held _m op9ions 9 common ) ! great mass ( ,*ri/ian believ]s1 he did n believe 9 :at are reg>d$ z ! or?odox or evangelical views ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,on ! innate depravity ( man1 ! "* & (fice ( ! great head ( ! *ur*1 ! atonem5t1 ! infallibility ( ! writt5 revelation1 ! p]=mance ( miracles1 ! nature & design ( pres5t & future rew>ds & puni%m5ts 7z !y are popul>ly call$7 & _m o!r subjects1 he held op9ions utt]ly at v>iance ) :at are usually taught 9 ! *ur*4 ,i %\ld say t 8 express$ views on ^! & k9dr$ topics 7 su* z1 9 ! e/imation ( mo/ believ]s1 w\ld place him entirely outside ! ,*ri/ian pale4 ,yet1 to my m9d1 su* 0 n ! true position1 s9ce 8 pr9ciples & practices & ! _s ( 8 :ole life 7 ( ! v k9d we univ]sally agree to call ,*ri/ian2 & ,i ?9k ?is conclusion is 9 no wise affect$ by ! circum/ance t he nev] atta*$ himself to any religi\s society :atev]4 ,8 religi\s views 7 em95tly practical1 & are summ$ up1 z ,i ?9k1 9 ^! two propositions3 '! fa!rhood ( ,god1 & ! bro!rhood ( man4' ,he fully believ$ 9 a sup]9t5d+ & ov]rul+ ,provid5ce t guides & controls ! op]ations ( ! _w1 b ma9ta9$ t law & ord]1 & n _! violation or susp5sion1 are ! appo9t$ means by :i* ?is ,provid5ce is ex]cis$4 ,i w n attempt any specification ( ei!r 8 belief or disbelief on v>i\s religi\s topics1 z d]iv$ f conv]sations ) him at diff]5t times dur+ a consid]able p]iod2 b1 z convey+ a g5]al view ( 8 religi\s or !ological op9ions1 w /ate ! foll[+ facts3 ,"s eight or t5 ye>s prior to 8 dea?1 9 conv]s+ ) him on ?is subject1 ! writ] took occasion to ref]1 9 t]ms ( approbation1 to ! s]mons & writ+s g5]ally ( ,dr4 ,w4 ,e4 ,*ann+2 &1 f9d+ he 0 consid]ably int]e/$ 9 ! /atem5t ,i made ( ! op9ions held by t au?or1 ,i propos$ to pres5t him a copy ( ,*ann+'s entire works1 :i* ,i soon aft] did4 ,subsequ5tly1 ! cont5ts ( ^! volumes1 toge!r ) ! writ+s ( ,!odore ,p>k]1 furni%$ him1 z he in=m$ me1 by 8 fri5d & law-p>tn]1 ,mr4 ,h]ndon1 became naturally ! topics ( conv]sation ) u2 & ?\gh f> f believ+ !re 0 an entire h>mony ( views on 8 "p ) ei!r ( ^? au?ors1 yet !y 7 g5]ally mu* admir$ & approv$ by him4 ,no religi\s views ) him seem$ to f9d any favor1 except ( ! practical & rationali/ic ord]2 & if1 f my recollections on ?is subject1 ,i 0 call$ ^u to designate an au?or ^: views mo/ ne>ly repres5t$ ,mr4 ,l9coln's on ?is subject1 ,i w\ld say t au?or 0 ,!odore ,p>k]4 ,z y h ask$ f me a c&id /atem5t ( my recollections on ?is topic1 ,i h ?us briefly giv5 !m1 ) ! hope t !y may be ( "s s]vice 9 rightly settl+ a "q ab\t :i*--z ,i h good reason to believe--! public m9d has be5 greatly misl$4 ,n d\bt+ t !y w accord1 sub/antially1 ) y\r own recollections1 & t ( 8 o!r intimate & confid5tial fri5ds1 & ) ! popul> v]dict aft] ?is matt] %all h be5 prop]ly canvass$1 ,i submit !m 7,life ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #dij-dib74 ,mr4 ,fell's te/imony is full & explicit4 ,he affirms t ,l9coln reject$ ne>ly all ! lead+ t5ets ( or?odox ,*ri/ianity2 ! inspiration ( ! ,scriptures1 ! div9ity ( ,*ri/1 ! innate depravity ( man1 ! atonem5t1 ! p]=mance ( miracles1 & future rew>ds & puni%m5ts4 ,8 express$ views on ^! & k9dr$ topics1 ,mr4 ,fell says1 7 su* z1 9 ! e/imation ( mo/ believ]s1 w\ld place him entirely outside ! ,*ri/ian pale4 ,mr4 ,fell1 himself1 0 n dispos$ to )hold f ,l9coln ! appellation ( ,*ri/ian1 b x 0 only because he /ood ^u ! broad ,lib]al ,*ri/ian1 or r non-,*ri/ian1 plat=m :i* p]mitt$ him to welcome a ,!i/1 l ,p>k]2 a ,pan!i/1 l ,em]son2 or ev5 an ,agno/ic1 l ,+]soll4 ,,col ,,john ,g4 ,,nicolay4 ,! next witness introduc$ by ,lamon1 is ,col4 ,john ,g4 ,nicolay1 ,l9coln's private secret>y at ! ,:ite ,h\se4 ,nicolay's relations ) ! ,presid5t 7 m intimate ?an ^? ( any o!r man4 ,to quote ! words ( ,l9coln's p>tn]1 ,mr4 ,l9coln lov$ him & tru/$ him4 ,8 te/imony is among ! mo/ important t ?is controv]sy has elicit$4 ,x proves beyond ! %ad[ ( a d\bt t all ^! /ories conc]n+ ,l9coln's alleg$ conv]sation at ,wa%+ton are false1 t he did n *ange 8 belief1 t he di$ z he _h always liv$--a ,free?9k]4 ,9 a lett] writt5 ,may #bg1 #ahfe1 j six weeks aft] ,l9coln's dea?1 ,colonel ,nicolay says3 ,mr4 ,l9coln did n1 to my k1 9 any way1 *ange 8 religi\s ideas1 op9ions or beliefs1 f ! "t he left ,spr+field till ! day ( 8 dea?4 ,i d n "k j :at !y 71 nev] hav+ he>d him expla9 !m 9 detail1 b ,i am v sure he gave no outw>d indications ( 8 m9d hav+ und]gone any *ange 9 t reg>d :ile "h 7,life ( ,l9coln1 p4 #dib74 ,,hon4 ,,david ,,davis4 ,"o ( ! mo/ important1 & 9 "s respects ! mo/ em95t witness summon$ to te/ify 9 reg>d to ?is "q1 is ! ,hon4 ,david ,davis4 ,9 moral "* he /ood above reproa*1 9 intellectual ability1 almo/ )\t a pe]4 ,e /ep 9 8 c>e] 0 m>k$ by unsw]v+ integrity & fre$om f prejudice4 ,8 rul+s & decisions 9 ! l[] c\rts ( ,ill9ois1 & on ! b5* ( ! ,supreme ,c\rt ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 comm&$ univ]sal respect4 ,z a legislator1 8 love ( tru? & ju/ice prev5t$ him f be+ a political p>tisan4 ,z ,unit$ ,/ates ,s5ator & ,vice-,presid5t ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 ! p>ty t elect$ him c\ld obta9 8 support = no measure t he deem$ unju/4 ,ref]r+ to 8 acqua9tance ) ,l9coln1 ,judge ,davis says3 ,i enjoy$ = ov] tw5ty ye>s ! p]sonal fri5d%ip ( ,mr4 ,l9coln4 ,we 7 admitt$ to ! b> ab\t ! same "t1 & travel$ = _m ye>s :at is kn[n 9 ,ill9ois z ! ,eigh? ,judicial ,circuit4 ,9 #ahdh1 :5 ,i fir/ w5t on ! b5*1 ! circuit embrac$ f\rte5 c\nties1 & ,mr4 ,l9coln w5t ) ! c\rt to e c\nty4 ,a l>ge portion ( ?is "t !y pass$ 9 ea* o!r's company4 ,!y (t5 rode 9 ! same vehicle1 g5]ally ate at ! same table1 & n infrequ5tly slept toge!r 9 ! same b$4 ,! close/ intimacy exi/$ betwe5 !m z long z ,l9coln liv$1 & :5 he di$1 ,mr4 ,davis became 8 executor4 ,judge ,davis w\ld n int5tionally h misrepres5t$ ! op9ions ( an enemy1 mu* less ! op9ions ( 8 de> dead fri5d4 ,briefly1 yet cle>ly1 he def9es ! !ological views ( ,l9coln3 ,he _h no fai?1 9 ! ,*ri/ian s5se ( ! t]m--_h fai? 9 laws1 pr9ciples1 causes1 & effects--philosophically 7,life ( ,l9coln1 p4 #dhi74 ,speak+ ( ! _m /ories t _h be5 circulat$ conc]n+ ,l9coln's religi\s belief1 su* z ! ,bateman & ,v9ton int]views1 toge!r ) ! v>i\s pi\s spee*es he is report$ to h made to religi\s committees & delegations t visit$ him1 su* z 8 reput$ spee* to ! ,negroes ( ,baltimore1 ,judge ,davis says3 ,! idea t ,l9coln talk$ to a /rang] ab\t 8 religion or religi\s views1 or made su* spee*es1 rem>ks1 c1 ab\t x z are publi%$1 is to me absurd4 ,i knew ! man s well4 ,he 0 ! mo/ retic5t1 secretive man ,i ev] saw1 or expect to see 7,ibid74 ,,mrs4 ,,m>y ,,l9coln4 ,b "o ( ,lamon's witnesses rema9s--! wife ( ! m>tyr$ ,presid5t4 ,h] te/imony ought ( itself to put ?is matt] at re/ =ev]4 ,mrs4 ,l9coln says3 ,mr4 ,l9coln _h no hope1 & no fai?1 9 ! usual acceptation ( ^? words 7,life ( ,l9coln1 p4 #dhi74 ,9 addition to :at ,colonel ,lamon has pres5t$1 ,mrs4 ,l9coln also /at$ ! foll[+3 ,mr4 ,l9coln's maxim & philosophy 71 ',:at is to be1 w be1 & no pray]s ( ours c arre/ ! decree4' ,he nev] jo9$ any *ur*4 ,he 0 a religi\s man always1 ,i ?9k1 b 0 n a te*nical ,*ri/ian 7,h]ndon's ,religion ( ,l9coln74 ,x may be *>g$ t ,mrs4 ,l9coln subsequ5tly repudiat$ a portion ( ?is te/imony4 ,9 anticipation ( su* a *>ge ,i w "h /ate a few facts4 ,?is te/imony 0 giv5 by ,mrs4 ,l9coln 9 #ahfe4 ,:5 x 0 giv51 :ile h] he>t 0 pi]c$ by ! pangs ( h] great grief1 h] m9d 0 s\nd4 ,ab\t ,jan4 #a1 #ahgd1 a brief article1 purport+ to come f h] p51 appe>$1 9 :i* ! te/imony attribut$ to h] 0 9 "p d5i$4 ,at ! "t ?is d5ial 0 writt51 ,mrs4 ,l9coln _h be5 = m ?an two ye>s insane4 ,! *ief cause 9 de?ron+ h] reason 0 ! dea? ( h] univ]sally belov$ ,tad 7,?omas71 :i* occurr$ on ,july #ae1 #ahga4 ,ref]r+ to ?is sad ev5t1 ,mr4 ,arnold1 "o ( ! pr9cipal witnesses on ! ,*ri/ian side ( ?is controv]sy1 says3 ,f ?is "t ,mrs4 ,l9coln1 9 ! judgm5t ( h] mo/ intimate fri5ds1 0 nev] entirely responsible = h] conduct 7,life ( ,l9coln1 p4 #dci74 ,! only effect ( ?is d5ial on ! m9ds ( ^? acqua9t$ ) ! circum/ances1 0 to excite a m+l$ feel+ ( pity & disgu/--pity = ?is un=tunate woman1 & disgu/ = ! contemptible me?ods ( ^? :o w\ld take advantage ( h] dem5t$ condition & make h] contradict ! hone/ /atem5ts ( h] rational life4 ,be=e dismiss+ ?is witness1 ,i wi% to adv]t to a subject ) :i* _m ( my read]s are famili>4 ,= ye>s1 bo? be=e & aft] ,l9coln's dea?1 ! religi\s press ( ! c\ntry 0 cont9ually abus+ ,mrs4 ,l9coln4 ,if a ball 0 held at ! ,:ite ,h\se1 %e became at once ! recipi5t ( unlimit$ abuse4 ,if ,l9coln att5d$ ! !at]1 %e 0 accus$ ( hav+ dragg$ him !re aga9/ 8 w4 ,x 0 almo/ uni=mly ass]t$ t he w\ld n h gone to ! !at] on t fatal night _h x n be5 = h]1 & 9 n a few in/ances x 0 infam\sly h9t$ t %e 0 cognizant ( ! plot to murd] him4 ,b ev5 ! ,rev4 ,dr4 ,m9]1 :o 0 acqua9t$ ) ! facts1 is will+ to v9dicate h] f ^! imputations4 ,he says3 ,x has be5 said t ,mrs4 ,l9coln urg$ h] husb& to g to ! !at] aga9/ 8 w4 ,?is is n true4 ,on ! contr>y1 %e tri$ to p]suade him n to g4 ,l9coln's biograph]s h1 = ! mo/ "p1 endeavor$ to d 8 wife ju/ice1 & h rebuk$ ! insults %[]$ ^u h]4 ,allud+ to ,presid5t & ,mrs4 ,l9coln1 ,mr4 ,h]ndon says3 ,all t ,i "k ennobles bo?4 ,colonel ,lamon says3 ,almo/ ev] s9ce ,mr4 ,l9coln's dea? a portion ( ! press has nev] tir$ ( heap+ brutal reproa*es ^u 8 wife & wid[1 :il/ a c]ta9 class ( 8 fri5ds ?\ght !y 7 honor+ 8 memory by multiply+ outrages & indignities ^u h] at ! v mom5t :5 %e 0 brok5 by want & sorr[1 defam$1 def5seless1 9 ! h&s ( ?ieves1 & at ! m]cy ( spies4 ,mr4 ,arnold says3 ,!re is no?+ 9 ,am]ican hi/ory s unmanly1 s devoid ( e *ivalric impulse z ! treatm5t ( ?is poor1 brok5-he>t$ woman4 ,! evid5ce ( ,colonel ,lamon's t5 witnesses has n[ be5 pres5t$4 ,?is evid5ce includes1 9 addition to ! te/imony ( o!r intimate fri5ds1 ! te/imony ( 8 wife2 ! te/imony ( 8 fir/ law p>tn]1 ,hon4 ,john ,t4 ,/u>t2 ! te/imony ( 8 la/ law p>tn]1 ,hon4 ,w94 ,h4 ,h]ndon2 ! te/imony ( 8 fri5d & political advis]1 ,col4 ,james ,h4 ,ma!ny2 ! te/imony ( 8 private secret>y1 ,col4 ,john ,g4 ,nicolay2 & ! te/imony ( 8 lifelong fri5d & executor aft] dea?1 ,judge ,david ,davis4 ,no "o c read ?is evid5ce & !n hone/ly affirm t ,abraham ,l9coln 0 a ,*ri/ian4 ,?is is ! evid5ce1 ! p]usal ( :i* s ?or\ghly enrag$ t good ,*ri/ian biograph]1 ,dr4 ,j4 ,g4 ,holl&2 ?is is ! evid5ce1 ! tru?fulness ( :i* ! ,rev4 ,j4 ,a4 ,re$1 unm9dful ( ! fate ( ,ananias1 attempt$ to d5y4 ,z a full & j answ] to ?is attempt$ refutation ( ,lamon's witnesses by ,re$1 ,i quote f ! ,new ,york ,_w ! foll[+3 ,?is individual te/imony is cle> & ov]:elm+1 )\t ! docum5t>y & o!r evid5ce scatt]$ pr(usely ?r\gh ! re/ ( ! volume4 ,h[ does ,mr4 ,re$ und]take to refute x8 ,9 ! fir/ place1 fir/ly1 he pron\nces x a 'libel1' & 9 ! second place1 secondly1 he is 'amaz$ to f9d'--& he says he has f\nd--t ! pr9cipal witnesses take exception to ,mr4 ,lamon's report ( _! evid5ce4 ,?is might h be5 true ( _m or all ( ,mr4 ,lamon's witnesses )\t excit+ ! wond] ( a rational man4 ,few p]sons1 inde$1 are will+ to endure reproa* m]ely = ! tru?'s sake1 & popul> op9ion 9 ! ,republican p>ty ( ,spr+field1 ,ill41 is probably v mu* aga9/ ,mr4 ,lamon4 ,x w\ld1 !re=e1 be q 9 ! natural ord] if "s ( 8 witnesses :o f9d !mselves unexpect$ly 9 pr9t %\ld succumb to ! social & political t]rorism ( _! place & "t1 & attempt to modify or expla9 _! te/imony4 ,!y zeal\sly assi/$ ,mr4 ,h]ndon 9 asc]ta9+ ! tru?1 & :ile !y want$ him to tell x 9 full !y 7 prud5tly resolv$ to keep _! own names snugly out ( sight4 ,b ,mr4 ,re$'s /atem5t is n true1 & 8 amazem5t is entirely simulat$4 ,two only out ( ! t5 witnesses h gratifi$ him by indit+1 at 8 reque/1 weak & gu>d$ compla9ts ( unfair treatm5t4 ,^! are ,john ,t4 ,/u>t1 a relative ( ! ,l9colns & ,edw>dses1 & ,jim ,ma!ny1 bo? ( ,spr+field1 :om ,mr4 ,l9coln taught 8 peculi> doctr9es1 b :o may by ?is "t be deacons 9 ,mr4 ,re$'s *ur*4 ,nei!r ( !m helps ,mr4 ,re$'s case a p>ticle4 ,_! epi/les op51 z if by conc]t1 9 =m & words almo/ id5tical4 ,!y say !y did n write ! language attribut$ to !m4 ,! d5ial is :olly unnecess>y1 = nobody affirms t !y did write x4 ,!y talk$ & ,mr4 ,h]ndon wrote4 ,8 notes 7 made :5 ! conv]sation occurr$1 & probably 9 _! pres5ce4 ,at all ev5ts1 !y are bo? s consci\s ( ! g5]al accuracy ( 8 report t !y d n v5ture to d5y a s+le ^w ( x1 b cont5t !mselves ) lam5t+ t some?+ else1 :i* !y did n say1 0 exclud$ f x4 ,!y bo?1 h[ev]1 9 ^! v lett]s1 repeat emphatically ! mat]ial "p ( ! /atem5ts made by !m to ,mr4 ,h]ndon1 namely1 t ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 to _! c]ta9 k1 until a v late p]iod ( 8 life1 an ',infidel1' & nei!r ( !m is able to tell :5 he ceas$ to be an ,infidel & :5 he began to be a ,*ri/ian4 ,& ?is is all ,mr4 ,re$ makes by 8 re-exam9ation ( ! two p]sons :om he is pleas$ to exalt z ,mr4 ,lamon's 'pr9cipal witnesses4' ,!y are b two out ( ! t54 ,:at ( ! o!r eight8 ,!y h no d\bt be5 tri$ & pli$ by ,mr4 ,re$ & 8 fri5ds to no purpose2 !y /& fa/ by ! record4 ,b ,mr4 ,re$ is to be %am$ nei!r by _! spee* nor _! sil5ce4 ,,*apt] ,x4 ,,te/imony ,,( ,,l9coln',s ,,relatives ,,& ,,intimate ,,associates ,mrs4 ,s>ah ,l9coln--,d5nis ,f4 ,hanks--,mrs4 ,matilda ,moore-- ,john ,hall--,w94 ,mc,neely--,wm4 ,g4 ,gre5--,jo%ua ,f4 ,spe$-- ,gre5 ,c>u!rs--,john ,decamp--,mr4 ,lynan--,james ,b4 ,spauld+--,ezra ,/r+ham--,dr4 ,g4 ,h ,ambrose--,j4 ,h4 ,*5]y-- ,squire ,p]k9s--,w4 ,p]k9s--,james ,gorley--,dr4 ,wm4 ,jayne-- ,jesse ,k4 ,dubois--,hon4 ,joseph ,gillespie--,judge ,/eph5 ,t4 ,logan--,hon4 ,leon>d ,swett ,7 ,i to re/ my case "h1 ! evid5ce already adduc$ is suffici5t1 ,i ?9k1 to conv9ce any unprejudic$ m9d t ,l9coln 0 n a ,*ri/ian4 ,b ,i d n propose to re/ "h4 ,i h pres5t$ ! te/imony ( half a score ( witnesses2 be=e ,i lay d[n my p5 ,i %all pres5t ! te/imony ( ne>ly t5 times z _m m4 ,9 ?is *apt] w be giv5 ! te/imony ( "s ( ! relatives & intimate associates ( ,l9coln4 ,! te/imony ( 8 relatives confirms ! claim t he 0 n religi\s 9 8 y\?2 ! o!rs te/ify to 8 unbelief :ile a resid5t ( ,new ,salem & ,spr+field4 ,,mrs4 ,,s>ah ,,l9coln4 ,if !re 0 "o p]son to :om ,l9coln 0 m indebt$ ?an to any o!r1 x 0 8 /epmo!r1 ,sally ,l9coln1 a beautiful woman--beautiful n only 9 face & =m1 b possess$ ( a mo/ lovely "*4 ,%e 0 n highly educat$1 b %e lov$ k1 & inspir$ 9 h] /ep-son a love = books4 ,%e 0 a ,*ri/ian1 b %e atta*$ m importance to de$ ?an to cre$4 ,%e lov$ ,l9coln4 ,aft] 8 dea? %e said3 ,he 0 dutiful to me always4 ,i ?9k he lov$ me truly4 ,i _h a son1 ,john1 :o 0 rais$ ) ,abe4 ,bo? 7 good boys2 b ,i mu/ say1 bo? n[ be+ dead1 t ,abe 0 ! be/ boy ,i ev] saw1 or expect to see4 ,l9coln 0 too good & too great n to appreciate ?is woman's c>e & affection4 ,:5 ! mat]ials = ,l9coln's biography 7 be+ collect$1 ,mrs4 ,l9coln 0 consid]$ ! mo/ reliable s\rce f :i* to obta9 ! facts p]ta9+ to 8 boyhood4 ,h] recollections ( him 7 record$ ) ! utmo/ c>e4 ,8 ,*ri/ian biograph]s1 9 ord] to make a ,sunday-s*ool h]o ( him1 h decl>$ him to be a y\? rem>kable = 8 ,*ri/ian piety & 8 love ( ! ,bible4 ,! /atem5ts ( ,mrs4 ,l9coln disprove ?is claim4 ,! sub/ance ( h] te/imony1 z giv5 by ,lamon1 is giv5 z foll[s3 ,8 /ep-"m--h]self a ,*ri/ian1 & long+ = ! lea/ sign ( fai? 9 him--c\ld rememb] no circum/ance t support$ h] hope4 ,on ! contr>y1 %e recollect$ v well t he nev] w5t (f into a corn]1 z has be5 said1 to pond] ! sacr$ writ+s1 & to wet ! page ) 8 te>s ( p5it5ce 7,life ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #dhf1 #dhg74 ,! ,bible1 accord+ to ,mrs4 ,l9coln1 0 n "o ( 8 /udies2 'he s\ght m cong5ial books4' ,at t "t he nei!r talk$ nor read ^u religi\s subjects4 ,if he _h any op9ions ab\t !m1 he kept !m to himself 7,ibid1 p4 #ch74 ,,d5nis ,f4 ,,hanks4 ,! next witness is ,l9coln's c\s91 ,d5nis ,hanks4 ,mr4 ,hanks held ! pulpy1 r$1 little ,l9coln 9 8 arms be=e he 0 tw5ty-f\r h\rs old1 & rema9$ 8 con/ant companion dur+ all ! ye>s t he liv$ 9 ,k5tucky & ,indiana4 ,he liv$ a "p ( ! "t 9 ! ,l9coln family1 & m>ri$ "o ( ,l9coln's /ep-si/]s4 ,i met him rec5tly at ,*>le/on1 ,ill4 ,) evid5t delight he rehe>s$ ! /ory ( ,l9coln's boyhood1 & reaffirm$ ! tru?fulness ( ! foll[+ /atem5ts attribut$ to him by ,l9coln's biograph]s3 ,abe wasn't 9 e>ly life a religi\s man4 ,he 0 a moral man /rictly4444 ,9 aft] life he became m religi\s2 b ! ,bible puzzl$ him1 especially ! miracles 7,e-,day ,life ( ,l9coln1 p4 #ed74 ',religi\s songs did n appe> to suit him at all1' says ,d5nis ,hanks2 b ( pr(ane ballads & amor\s ditties he knew ! words ( a va/ numb]4 ,ano!r 03 ',hail ,columbia1 happy l&6 ,if y a9't drunk1 ,i'll be damn$1' a song :i* ,d5nis ?9ks %\ld be w>bl$ only 9 ! 'fields2' & tells u !y knew & enjoy$ all su* songs z ?is' 7,lamon's ,life ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #eh1 #ei74 ,! fitness ( ! above co>se trave/y to be w>bl$1 ev5 9 ! fields1 may well be d\bt$4 ,lamon w\ld h>dly h record$ x1 & ,i c]ta9ly %\ld n quote x1 b = ! fact t x /rik+ly illu/rates "o phase ( ,l9coln's y\?ful piety4 ,among ! _m ,*ri/ian hymns :i* ,l9coln p>odi$1 ,mr4 ,hanks recalls ! foll[+3 ,h[ t$i\s & ta/eless ! h\rs4 ,:5 ,i c read my title cle>4 ,oh6 to grace h[ great a debtor6 ,come1 ?\ f\nt ( e bless+4 ,,mrs4 ,,matilda ,,moore4 ,l9coln's fir/ husb& 0 nam$ ,john/on4 ,by him %e _h ?ree *ildr51 a son & two daught]s4 ,! latt]1 l _! "m1 develop$ into noble specim5s ( womanhood2 & bo? lov$ ,l9coln z t5d]ly z ?\gh he _h be5 _! own bro!r4 ,! eld] 0 m>ri$ to ,d5nis ,hanks2 ! y\ng]1 ,matilda1 m>ri$ ,l9coln's c\s91 ,levi ,hall1 &1 aft] 8 dea?1 a g5tleman nam$ ,moore4 ,lamon says t ,l9coln 9 8 y\? made a mock]y ( ! popul> religion2 n f any lack ( rev]5ce = :at he believ$ to be good1 b because he ?\ght t a p]son _h bett] be )\t x4 ,t he 0 accu/om$ to turn s-call$ sacr$ subjects into ridicule is atte/$ by 8 /epsi/]1 ,mrs4 ,moore4 ,%e says3 ,:5 fa!r & "m w\ld g to *ur*1 ,abe w\ld take d[n ! ,bible1 read a v]se1 give out a hymn1 & we w\ld s+4 ,abe 0 ab\t fifte5 ye>s ( age4 ,he prea*$ & we w\ld d ! cry+ 7,e-,day ,life ( ,l9coln1 p4 #ga74 ,,john ,,hall4 ,on ! #bh? ( ,april1 #ahhh1 ! writ]1 9 company ) ,mr4 ,*>les ,biggs1 ( ,we/field1 ,ill41 visit$ ! old ,l9coln home/ead1 ne> ,f>m+ton1 ,ill4 ,we d9$ ) ,mr4 ,john ,hall1 a son ( ,l9coln's /epsi/] ,matilda1 9 ! old log-h\se built by ,l9coln's fa!r sixty ye>s ago1 & 9 :i* 8 fa!r & /ep-"m di$4 ,mr4 ,hall1 :o owns ! home/ead & pres]ves ) zeal\s c>e ?is v5]able relic1 is an intellig5t f>m] ov] sixty ye>s ( age4 ,he greatly rev]es ! memory ( 8 illu/ri\s uncle & loves to dwell on 8 _m noble traits ( "*4 ,he /at$ t ! family tradition is t :ile ,abe 0 a mo/ hone/ & humane boy he 0 n religi\s4 ,he ref]r$ to ! mock s]mons he is said to h prea*$4 ,at ^! meet+s1 said ,mr4 ,hall1 my "m w\ld lead 9 ! s++ :ile ,uncle ,abe w\ld lead 9 pray]4 ,among 8 num]\s supplications1 he pray$ ,god to put /ock+s on ! *ick5s' feet 9 w9t]4 ,,william ,mc,n,e,e,l,t4 ,william ,mc,neely1 ( ,pet]sburg1 ,ill41 :o became acqua9t$ ) ,l9coln 9 #ahca1 :5 he arriv$ at ,new ,salem on a flatboat1 says3 ,l9coln said he did n believe 9 total depravity1 & al?\gh x 0 n popul> to believe x1 x 0 easi] to d "r ?an wrong2 t ! fir/ ?\ght 03 :at 0 "r8 & ! second--:at 0 wrong8 ,!re=e x 0 easi] to d "r ?an wrong1 & easi] to take c>e (1 z x w\ld take c>e ( itself4 ,x took an ef=t to d wrong1 & a /ill great] ef=t to take c>e ( x2 b d "r & x w\ld take c>e ( itself4 ,i 0 acqua9t$ ) him a long "t1 & ,i nev] knew him to d a wrong act 7,l9coln ,memorial ,album1 pp4 #cic-cie74 ,,william ,g4 ,,gre54 ,"o ( ,l9coln's e>ly companions at ,new ,salem 0 ,william ,g4 ,gre54 ,he & ,l9coln cl]k$ 9 ! same /ore & slept toge!r on ! same cot4 ,! te/imony ( ,mr4 ,gre5 has n be5 pres]v$4 ,we h simply an obs]vation ( 81 incid5tally made1 ! sub/ance ( :i* is ?us pres5t$ by ,lamon3 ,l9coln's incessant read+ ( ,%aksp]e & ,burns _h mu* to d 9 giv+ to 8 m9d ! 'skeptical' t5d5cy s fully devolop$ by ! labors ( 8 p5 9 #ahcd-e1 & 9 social conv]sations dur+ _m ye>s ( 8 resid5ce at ,spr+field 7,life ( ,l9coln1 p4 #ade74 ,mr4 ,gre5's conclusion1 especially 9 reg>d to ,burns1 is q g5]ally %>$ by ,l9coln's fri5ds4 ,burns's satirical poems 7 greatly admir$ by-,l9coln4 ,holy ,willie's ,pray]1 "o ( ! mo/ )]+ satires on or?odox ,*ri/ianity ev] p5n$1 0 memoriz$ by him4 ,e "o ( its sixte5 /anzas1 beg9n+ ) ! foll[+1 0 an ,infidel %aft :i* he delight$ to hurl at ! heads ( 8 ,*ri/ian oppon5ts3 ,o ?\1 :a 9 ! heav5s do/ dwell1 ,:a1 z x pleases be/ ?ysel'1 ,s5ds ane to heav5 & t5 to hell1 ,a' = ?y glory1 ,& no = ony guid or ill ,!y've done a=e !e6 ,,jo%ua ,f4 ,,spe$4 ,ano!r ( ,l9coln's e>lie/ & be/ fri5ds 0 ,jo%ua ,f4 ,spe$4 ,:5 he 0 lic5s$ z a lawy] & ent]$ ^u 8 pr(essional c>e] at ,spr+field )\t a cli5t & )\t a doll>1 ,spe$ assi/$ him to get a />t4 ,w4 ,h4 ,h]ndon 0 cl]k+ = ,spe$ at ! "t1 & = m ?an a ye> ,l9coln1 ,h]ndon & ,spe$ room$ toge!r4 ,ref]r+ to ! religi\s views held by ,l9coln at t "t1 ,mr4 ,spe$1 9 a lecture1 says3 ,i h (t5 be5 ask$ :at 7 ,mr4 ,l9coln's religi\s op9ions4 ,:5 ,i knew him1 9 e>ly life1 he 0 a skeptic4 ,he _h tri$ h>d to be a believ]1 b 8 reason c\ld n grasp & solve ! great problem ( r$emption z taught4 ,?is is ! te/imony ( an or?odox ,*ri/ian1 & a *ur*-memb]4 ,mr4 ,spe$1 dur+ ! ye>s t he 0 acqua9t$ ) ,l9coln1 0 n a memb] ( any *ur*2 b late 9 life he unit$ ) ! ,me?odi/ *ur*4 ,z ! wi% is fa!r to ! ?\ght1 ,mr4 ,spe$ pr(ess$ to believe t ,l9coln be=e 8 dea? modifi$1 to "s ext5t1 ! radical views ( 8 e>ly manhood4 ,,gre5 ,,c>u!rs4 ,soon aft] ,l9coln remov$ to ,spr+field1 he became acqua9t$ ) ,mr4 ,gre5 ,c>u!rs & rema9$ on intimate t]ms ) him dur+ all ! subsequ5t ye>s ( 8 life4 ,mr4 ,c>u!rs 0 a quiet1 unobtrusive old g5tleman1 univ]sally respect$ by ^? :o knew him4 ,! sub/ance ( 8 te/imony is z foll[s3 ,l9coln1 ,bl$soe1 ! metaphysician1 & myself1 bo>d$ at ! ,globe hotel 9 ?is city4 ,bl$soe t5d$ t[>d ,*ri/ianity1 if he 0 n a ,*ri/ian4 ,l9coln 0 always ?r[+ out 8 ,infidelity to ,bl$soe1 ridicul+ ,*ri/ianity1 & especially ! div9ity ( ,*ri/4 ,,john ,,decamp4 ,ano!r ( ,l9coln's mo/ intimate ,spr+field fri5ds 0 ,john ,decamp4 ,mr4 ,decamp 0 int]view$ by ,mr4 ,h]ndon reg>d+ ,l9coln's religi\s views 9 ,july1 #ahhg4 ,8 /atem5t 0 brief1 b to ! po9t4 ,he says3 ,l9coln 0 an ,infidel4 ,,mr4 ,,lynan4 ,9 #ahhj1 at ,bism>ck ,grove1 ,kan41 ! writ] ( ?is deliv]$ a lecture entitl$1 ,f\r ,am]ican ,infidels1 a portion ( :i* 0 devot$ to a pres5tation ( ,l9coln's religi\s views4 ,9 its report ( ! lecture1 ! ,lawr5ce ,/&>d1 edit$ by ,hon4 ,e4 ,g4 ,ross1 =m]ly ,unit$ ,/ates ,s5ator f ,kansas1 & m rec5tly ,gov]nor ( ,new ,mexico1 said3 ,9 reg>d to ,abraham ,l9coln be+ an ,infidel1 ! evid5ce adduc$ 0 ov]:elm+1 & 0 confirm$ by a g5tleman pres5t1 ,mr4 ,lynan1 :o _h kn[n him intimately = ?irty ye>s4 ,mr4 ,lynan decl>$ t none b p]sonal acqua9tance c\ld enable "o to realize ! nobility & purity ( ,l9coln's "*1 b t he 0 beyond d\bt or "q a ?or\gh disbeliev] 9 ! ,*ri/ian s*eme ( salvation to ! end ( 8 life 7,lawr5ce ,/&>d1 ,sept4 #d1 #ahhj74 ,,james ,b4 ,,spauld+4 ,mr4 ,j4 ,b4 ,spauld+1 well kn[n z "o ( ! lead+ nurs]ym5 & horticulturi/s ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 a man ( broad culture & ref9em5t1 :o resides ne> ,spr+field1 became intimately acqua9t$ ) ,l9coln z e>ly z #ahea1 & = a long "t resid$ on ! same /reet ) him 9 ,spr+field4 ,mr4 ,spauld+ says3 ,l9coln p]petrat$ _m an irrev]5t joke at ! exp5se ( *ur* doctr9es4 ,reg>d+ ! miracul\s conception1 he 0 especially s>ca/ic4 ,he wrote a manuscript z radical z ,+]soll :i* 8 political fri5ds caus$ to be de/roy$4 ,,ezra ,,/r+ham4 ,a %ort "t s9ce ,i 0 conv]s+ ) a p>ty ( g5tlem5 9 ,riv]ton1 ,ill4 ,x be+ ne> ,l9coln's old home1 ! subject ( 8 religi\s belief 0 introduc$4 ,an old g5tleman1 :o up to ?is "t _h n be5 tak+ "p 9 ! conv]sation1 quietly obs]v$3 ,i ?9k ,i knew ,l9coln's religi\s views ab\t z well z any o!r man4 ,:at 0 he8 said "o ( ! p>ty4 ,an ,infidel ( ! fir/ wat]1 0 ! prompt response4 ,! old g5tleman 0 ,ezra ,/r+ham1 "o ( ,l9coln's e>ly acqua9tances 9 ,ill9ois4 ,,dr4 ,g4 ,h4 ,,ambrose4 ,dr4 ,g4 ,h4 ,ambrose1 ( ,waldo1 ,fla41 :o 0 associat$ 9 ! law bus9ess at ,spr+field f #ahdf to #ahdi ) a relative ( ,mrs4 ,l9coln1 says3 ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 an ,infidel--an outspok5 "o4 ,j4 ,h4 ,,*5]y4 ,mr4 ,j4 ,h4 ,*5]y1 "o ( ,spr+field's pione]s--= _m ye>s own] & proprietor ( ! lead+ hotel ( ,spr+field--says3 ,re$ tri$ to prove t ,l9coln 0 a *ur* man2 b ev]ybody "h kn[s t he 0 n4 ,once 9 a great :ile1 & only once 9 a great :ile1 ,i saw him accompany 8 wife & *ildr5 to *ur*4 ,8 attacks ^u ! *ur* 7 mo/ bitt] & s>ca/ic4 ,he wrote a book aga9/ ,*ri/ianity1 b 8 fri5ds got away ) x4 ,,squire ,,p]k9s4 ,a few ye>s ago !re di$ ne> ,at*ison1 ,kan41 an old g5tleman nam$ ,p]k9s4 ,he 0 poor1 b hone/1 & a bright man intellectually4 ,he 0 a son ( ,major ,p]k9s :o 0 kill$ 9 ! ,black ,hawk w>4 ,l9coln aft] ! fight discov]$ ! scalp ( ,major ,p]k9s1 :i* 8 savage assass9 _h tak5 b lo/4 ,8 fir/ impulse 0 to keep x & take x home to ! family ( ! dead soldi]4 ,!n realiz+ t x w\ld only t5d to int5sify _! grief1 he op5$ ! grave & deposit$ x ) ! body4 ,?is incid5t l$ to an intimate acqua9tance betwe5 ,l9coln & ! y\ng] ,p]k9s4 ,9 ,june1 #ahhj1 ,mr4 ,p]k9s made ! foll[+ /atem5t relative to ,l9coln's religi\s belief3 ,dur+ all ! "t t ,i 0 acqua9t$ ) ,abraham ,l9coln ,i "k t he 0 :at ! *ur* calls an ,infidel4 ,i d n believe t he ev] *ang$ 8 op9ions4 ,:5 ,colfax 0 9 ,at*ison ,i _h a talk ) him ab\t ,l9coln4 ,among o!r ?+s1 ,i ask$ him if ,l9coln _h ev] be5 conv]t$ to ,*ri/ianity4 ,he told me t he _h n4 ,w4 ,,p]k9s4 ,mr4 ,p]k9s1 an old lawy] & j\rnali/ ( ,ill9ois1 :o 0 acqua9t$ ) ,l9coln = upw>d ( tw5ty ye>s1 & :o 0 8 associate c\nsel 9 sev]al important cases1 writ+ f ,belleview1 ,fla41 "u date ( ,augu/ #bb1 #ahhg1 says3 ,! unfair ef=ts t ,*ri/ians h be5 putt+ =? to drag ,l9coln into _! wan+ fai? betray a pitiable imbecility4 ,7 x possible = !m to get ! _w to believe t ,wa%+ton1 ,jeff]son1 & ,l9coln1 all pray$1 _h fai?1 & 7 wa%$ 9 ! blood ( ! ,lamb1 w\ld t prove ! inspiration ( _! ,bible1 h>monize its contradictions1 put a ray ( reason 9 its gross absurdities1 or humanize ! fir/ "o ( its num]\s bloody b>b>ities8 ,i knew ,mr4 ,l9coln f ! spr+ ( #ahch till 8 dea?4 ,l ,ar*ibald ,williams1 our contempor>y1 an able ,"l ,coke lawy]1 he no m believ$ 9 ! inspiration ( ! ,bible ?an ,hume1 ,pa9e1 or ,+]soll4 ,less incl9$ op5ly to d5\nce its absurdities & cruelties1 or to antagonize ! well-mean+ cr$ul\s pr(essors1 ?an 0 ,williams4 ,mr4 ,l9coln _h no fai? :atev] 9 ! fir/ miracle ( ! ,bible1 or ! s*eme ( bloody r$emption x tea*es4 ,to attribute su* s5tim5ts to him1 is to t>ni% 8 well-e>n$ reputation = common s5se1 & to impair ! e/imation ( 8 c\ntrym5 & ! _w ( 8 high s5se ( humanity1 ju/ice1 & honor4 ,two ( my ,presbyt]ian fri5ds at ,indian ,po9t1 ne> ,pet]sburg1 told me t !y _h int]view$ ,mr4 ,l9coln to prev5t 8 imp5d+ duel ) ,%ields--claim+ t x 0 contr>y to ! ,bible & ,*ri/ianity4 ,he admitt$ t ! duel+ code 0 b>b>\s & regrett$ mu* to f9d himself 9 its toils1 b said he1 ',! ,bible is n my book1 nor ,*ri/ianity my pr(ession4' ,9 "s rem9isc5ces ( ,l9coln1 rec5tly publi%$1 ref]r+ to a celebrat$ murd] case 9 :i* !y 7 c\nsel = ! def5dant1 ,mr4 ,p]k9s says3 ,i rem9d$ him t f ! fir/ ,i _h se51 & to him said1 ! case is hopeless1 & t he mu/ h expect$ to "w a miracle to save ! accus$4 ,he answ]$ t ,i did him inju/ice1 s9ce he _h no fai? 9 miracles4 ,allud+ to ,l9coln's alleg$ *ange ( he>t1 he writes3 ,he nev] *ang$ a s5tim5t on ! subject up to 8 f9al sleep4 ,,james ,,gorley4 ,mr4 ,gorley1 :o 0 ! confid5tial fri5d ( ,l9coln1 & :o sp5t mu* "t ) him1 bo? at home & abroad1 made ! foll[+ /atem5t3 ,l9coln belong$ to no religi\s sect4 ,he 0 religi\s 9 8 own way--n z o!rs g5]ally4 ,i d n ?9k he ev] _h a *ange ( he>t1 religi\sly speak+4 ,_h he ev] _h a *ange ( he>t he w\ld h told me4 ,he c\ld n h neglect$ x4 ,,william ,,jayne1 ,m4,d4 ,dr4 ,jayne1 :o 0 appo9t$ ,gov]nor ( ,dakota by ,l9coln1 is "o ( ! mo/ prom95t citiz5s ( ,spr+field1 & 0 "o ( ,l9coln's able/ & mo/ fai?ful political fri5ds4 ,he secur$ ,l9coln's nom9ation = ! ,legislature once1 & 0 "o ( ! fir/ to pit him aga9/ ,d\glas4 ,9 a lett] to me1 dat$ ,augu/ #ah1 #ahhg1 ,dr4 ,jayne says3 ,8 g5]al reputation among 8 neighbors & fri5ds ( tw5ty-five ye>s' /&+ 0 t ( a disbeliev] 9 ! accept$ fai? ( or?odox ,*ri/ians4 ,8 m9d 0 purely logical 9 its con/ruction & action4 ,he believ$ no?+ except :at 0 susceptible ( demon/ration4444 ,8 mo/ intimate fri5ds "h1 & close to him 9 ! confid5tial relations ( life1 ass]t1 9 reg>d to ^? :o claim = ,l9coln a fai? 9 ! or?odox ,*ri/ian belief1 t ! claim is a fraud & utt] nons5se4 ,,hon4 ,,jesse ,k4 ,,dubois4 ,jesse ,k4 ,dubois1 = a "t ,/ate ,auditor ( ,ill9ois1 a noble & gift$ man1 & "o :om ,l9coln de>ly lov$1 once relat$ an anecdote :i* %[s t if ,l9coln did believe 9 a ,supreme ,be+1 he _h little rev]5ce = ! ,god ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,9 company ) ,dubois1 he 0 visit+ a family 9 or ne> ,spr+field4 ,x 0 summ]1 & :ile ,dubois 0 9 ! h\se ) ! family1 ,l9coln occupi$ a seat 9 ! y>d ) 8 feet re/+ aga9/ a tree1 z 0 8 wont4 ,! lady1 :o 0 a v zeal\s ,*ri/ian1 call$ att5tion to 8 appe>ance & comm5t$ r sev]ely ^u 8 ugl9ess4 ,:5 !y return$ home ,dubois ref]r$ to ! lady's rem>ks4 ,l9coln 0 sil5t = a mom5t1 & !n said3 ,dubois1 ,i "k t ,i am ugly1 b %e wor%ips a ,god :o is ugli] ?an ,i am4 ,,hon4 ,,joseph ,,gillespie4 ,judge ,gillespie1 ( ,edw>dsville1 ,ill41 "o ( ,l9coln's mo/ valu$ fri5ds1 writes z foll[s3 ,mr4 ,l9coln seldom said any?+ on ! subject ( religion4 ,he said once to me t he nev] c\ld reconcile ! presci5ce ( ,deity ) ! unc]ta9ty ( ev5ts4 ,x 0 difficult1 says ,judge ,gillespie1 = him to believe )\t demon/ration4 ,,judge ,,/eph5 ,t4 ,,logan4 ,l9coln 0 admitt$ to ! b> 9 #ahcg1 :5 he 0 tw5ty-eight ye>s ( age1 ,judge ,logan be+ on ! b5* at ! "t4 ,soon aft] 8 admission he =m$ a p>tn]%ip ) ,john ,t4 ,/u>t :i* exi/$ ne>ly f\r ye>s1 or until ,mr4 ,/u>t ent]$ ,congress4 ,he !n became ! p>tn] ( ,judge ,logan1 & cont9u$ 9 bus9ess ) him until #ahdc1 :5 he unit$ 8 practice ) t ( ,mr4 ,h]ndon4 ,! te/imony ( ,mr4 ,/u>t & ,mr4 ,h]ndon has already be5 giv54 ,no =mal /atem5t ( ,judge ,logan conc]n+ ?is "q has be5 pres]v$4 ,all t ,i h be5 able to f9d is conta9$ 9 a lett] f ,mr4 ,h]ndon dat$ ,dec4 #bb1 #ahhh4 ,mr4 ,h]ndon wrote 9 relation to ,l9coln's lett] ( consolation to 8 dy+ fa!r4 ,9 ,l9coln's lett]1 :ile ,*ri/ & ,*ri/ianity are :olly ignor$1 !re is an impli$ recognition ( immortality & an express$ hope t he may meet 8 fa!r aga94 ,l9coln's fri5ds1 = ! mo/ "p1 consid] ! lett] m]ely conv5tional1 n an expression ( 8 real s5tim5ts1 b simply an ef=t to console 8 ,*ri/ian fa!r :om he c\ld nev] meet aga9 on e>?4 ,mr4 ,h]ndon1 h[ev]1 is incl9$ to believe t :ile ! tone ( ! lett] is n exactly 9 accordance ) ! views g5]ally held by ,l9coln1 x is yet a s9c]e expression ( ! feel+s he ent]ta9$ at ! "t4 ,ref]r+ to ?is lett]1 ,mr4 ,h]ndon says3 ,i %[$ ! lett] to ,logan1 ,/u>t1 et al1 ,logan laugh$ 9 my face z mu* z to say3 ',h]ndon1 are y s gre5 z to believe t lett] to be ,l9coln's real ideas8' ,i _c give ! exact words ( ,logan1 b he 9 sub/ance said3 ',l9coln 0 an ,infidel ( ! mo/ radical type4' ,,hon4 ,,leon>d ,,swett4 ,i close ?is division ( my evid5ce ) ! te/imony ( t gift$ lawy] & honor$ citiz5 ( ,ill9ois1 ,leon>d ,swett4 ,previ\s to 8 removal to ,*icago1 9 #ahfe1 ,mr4 ,swett resid$ 9 ,bloom+ton1 & = a doz5 ye>s travel$ ! old ,eigh? ,judicial ,circuit ) ,l9coln4 ,few m5 knew ,l9coln bett] ?an did ,swett1 & none 0 held 9 high] e/eem by ,l9coln ?an he4 ,x 0 he :o plac$ ,l9coln 9 nom9ation = ! ,presid5cy at ,*icago 9 #ahfj4 ,i quote f a lett] writt5 by ,mr4 ,swett 9 #ahff3 ,y ask me :e!r he ,l9coln *ang$ 8 religi\s op9ions t[>d ! close ( 8 life4 ,i ?9k n4 ,z he became involv$ 9 matt]s ( ! greate/ importance1 full ( great responsibility & great d\bt1 a feel+ ( religi\s rev]5ce1 a belief 9 ,god & 8 ju/ice & ov]rul+ provid5ce increas$ ) him4 ,he 0 always full ( natural religion4 ,he believ$ 9 ,god z mu* z ! mo/ approv$ *ur* memb]1 yet he judg$ ( him by ! same sy/em ( g5]alization z he judg$ ev]y?+ else4 ,he _h v little fai? 9 c]emonials or =ms4 ,9 fact he c>$ no?+ = ! =m ( any?+4444 ,if 8 religion 7 to be judg$ by ! l9es & rules ( *ur* cre$s1 he w\ld fall f> %ort ( ! /&>d4 ,,*apt] ,,xi4 ,,te/imony ,,( ,,fri5ds ,,& ,,acqua9tances ,,( ,,l9coln ,,:o ,,knew ,,him ,,9 ,,ill9ois ,hon4 ,w4 ,h4 ,t4 ,wakefield--,hon4 ,d4 ,w4 ,wild]--,dr4 ,b4 ,p4 ,g>dn]--,hon4 ,j4 ,k4 ,v&em>k--,a4 ,jeffrey--,dr4 ,ar* ,e4 ,mc,neal--,*>les ,mc,grew--,edw>d ,bull]--,joseph ,/af=d-- ,judge ,a4 ,d4 ,norton--,j4 ,l4 ,morrell--,mahlon ,ross--,l4 ,wilson-- ,h4 ,k4 ,magie--,hon4 ,james ,tuttle--,col4 ,p4 ,s4 ,ru!r=d--,judge ,rob]t ,lea*man--,hon4 ,or9 ,b4 ,g\ld--,m4 ,s4 ,g[9--,col4 ,r4 ,g4 ,+]soll--,leon>d ,w4 ,volk--,joseph ,jeff]son--,hon4 ,e4 ,b4 ,wa%burn--,hon4 ,e4 ,m4 ,ha9es4 ,i w next pres5t ! evid5ce t ,i h glean$ f ! lips or p5s ( p]sonal fri5ds ( ,l9coln :o 7 acqua9t$ ) him 9 ,ill9ois4 ,! relations ( ^! p]sons to ,l9coln 71 = ! mo/ "p1 less intimate ?an 7 ^? ( ! p]sons nam$ 9 ! prec$+ *apt]2 b all ( !m enjoy$ 9 no small degree 8 confid5ce & e/eem4 ,,hon4 ,w4 ,h4 ,t4 ,,wakefield4 ,mr4 ,wakefield1 our fir/ witness1 is a son ( ! di/+ui%$ juri/1 ,judge ,j4 ,a4 ,wakefield4 ,he is a prom95t j\rnali/1 & 0 ! nom9ee ( ! ,unit$ ,labor p>ty1 = ,vice-,presid5t1 9 ! ,presid5tial conte/ ( #ahhh4 ,9 a lett] to ! au?or1 dat$ ,lawr5ce1 ,kan41 ,sept4 #bh1 #ahhj1 ,mr4 ,wakefield says3 ,my fa!r1 ! late ,judge ,j4 ,a4 ,wakefield1 0 a life-long fri5d ( ,l9coln's1 !y hav+ s]v$ ?r\gh ! ,black ,hawk w> toge!r & be5 9 ! ,ill9ois ,legislature toge!r1 dur+ :i* latt] "t ,l9coln bo>d$ ) my fa!r 9 ,v&alia1 :i* 0 !n ! /ate capital4 ,i rememb] ( 8 visit+ my fa!r at ,gal5a1 9 #ahdd or #ahde4 ,!y cont9u$ to correspond until ,l9coln's dea?4 ,my fa!r 0 a memb] ( ! ,me?odi/ *ur* & frequ5tly spoke ( & lam5t$ ,l9coln's ,infidelity1 & ref]r$ to ! _m argum5ts betwe5 !m on ! subject4 ,! not$ m9i/]1 ,pet] ,c>twright1 bo>d$ ) my fa!r at ! same "t t ,l9coln did1 & my fa!r & "m told me ( ! _m !ological & philosophical argum5ts indulg$ 9 by ,l9coln & ,c>twright1 & ( ! fact t !y always attract$ _m int]e/$ li/5]s & usually end$ by ,c>twright's gett+ v angry & ! spectators be+ convuls$ ) laught] at ,l9coln's dry wit & humor\s comp>isons4 ,l9coln's legislative c>e] at ,v&alia ext5d$ f #ahcd to #ahcg4 ,x 0 ab\t ! beg9n+ ( ?is p]iod t he wrote 8 book aga9/ ,*ri/ianity4 ,he 0 ?or\ghly in=m$ & en?usia/ic 9 8 ,infidel views1 & x is n to be wond]$ at t on !ological que/ions1 he 0 able to vanqui% 9 debate ev5 s em95t a !ologian z ,pet] ,c>twright4 ,t5 ye>s lat]1 ,l9coln 0 ! ,:ig1 & ,c>twright ! ,democratic c&idate = ,congress4 ,9 ?is campaign a det]m9$ ef=t 0 made by ! *ur* to defeat ,l9coln on acc\nt ( 8 ,infidelity4 ,b 8 popul>ity1 8 reputation = hone/y1 8 recogniz$ ability1 & 8 transc5d5t p[]s on ! /ump1 c>ri$ him successfully ?r\gh1 & he 0 triumphantly elect$4 ,,hon4 ,d4 ,w4 ,,wild]4 ,"o ( ! mo/ gift$ & honorable ( ,we/]n j\rnali/s is ,d4 ,w4 ,wild]1 ( ,kansas4 ,he 0 ,surveyor ,g5]al ( ,kansas be=e x 0 admitt$ into ! ,union1 & aft] x became a /ate1 he held ! (fice ( ,/ate ,auditor4 ,_m ye>s ago ,g54 ,wild] wrote & publi%$ an editorial on ,l9coln's religi\s views 9 :i* he affirm$ t ,l9coln 0 a disbeliev] 9 ,*ri/ianity4 ,! article excit$ ! wra? ( ! cl]gy1 among !m ! ,rev4 ,d4 ,p4 ,mit*ell1 ! lead+ ,me?odi/ div9e ( ,kansas1 :o repli$ ) mu* w>m?1 b )\t refut+ ! /atem5ts ( ,g54 ,wild]4 ,"s ( my ,we/]n read]s w recall ! article & ! controv]sy x provok$4 ,i h be5 unable to procure a copy ( x1 b 9 its place ,i pres5t ! foll[+ extract f a lett] receiv$ f ,g54 ,wild]1 dat$ ,/4 ,joseph1 ,mo41 ,dec4 #bi1 #ahha3 ,l9coln believ$ 9 ,god1 b n 9 ! div9ity ( ,*ri/4 ,at fir/1 l ,frankl91 he 0 probably an ,a!i/4 ,al?\gh a '=giv+' man himself1 he did n believe t any am\nt ( 'p5it5ce' c\ld affect ! logical effects ( violat$ law4 ,he has a rem>kable passage on t !me4 ,conc]n+ ,l9coln's p>tn]1 ,mr4 ,h]ndon1 ) :om he 0 acqua9t$1 ,g54 ,wild] says3 ,write to ,wm4 ,h4 ,h]ndon1 a noble man1 ,spr+field1 ,ill4 ,s5d him y\r book ',life ( ,pa9e'4 ,he w reply4 ,! /ories told ab\t him are lies4 ,b4 ,f4 ,,g>dn]1 ,m4,d4 ,dr4 ,g>dn]1 an old & respect$ resid5t ( ,atlanta1 ,ill41 9 ,m>*1 #ahhg1 made ! foll[+ /atem5t 9 reg>d to ,l9coln's views3 ,i knew ,l9coln f #ahed up to ! "t he left ,spr+field4 ,he 0 an ,infidel4 ,he did n *ange 8 belief4 ,h]ndon told ! tru? 9 8 lecture4 ,l9coln did n believe t pray] mov$ ,god4 ,:5 he reque/$ ! pray]s ( 8 neighbors on leav+ ,spr+field = ,wa%+ton1 he saw t /orm 0 com+ & t he mu/ h ! support ( ! *ur*4 ,^! words ( ,l9coln 9 8 f>ewell spee* reque/+ ! pray]s ( 8 fri5ds1 ?\gh us$ m]ely 9 a conv5tional way1 h be5 cit$ by ,holl&1 ,arnold1 & o!rs1 to prove t he believ$ 9 ! efficacy ( pray]4 ,t no su* import 0 atta*$ to !m at ! "t is admitt$ by ,holl& himself4 ,he says3 ,?is p>t+ address 0 telegraph$ to e "p ( ! c\ntry1 & 0 /rangely mis9t]pret$4 ,s little 0 ! man's "* und]/ood t 8 simple & e>ne/ reque/ t 8 neighbors %\ld pray = him 0 receiv$ by _m z an evid5ce bo? ( 8 weakness & 8 hypocrisy4 ,no ,presid5t _h ev] be=e ask$ ! p1 9 a public address1 to pray = him4 ,x s\nd$ l ! cant ( ! conv5ticle to e>s unaccu/om$ to ! language ( piety f ! lips ( politicians4 ,! reque/ 0 toss$ ab\t z a joke--'old ,abe's la/' 7,holl&'s ,life ( ,l9coln1 p4 #bed74 ,,hon4 ,j4 ,k4 ,,v&em>k4 ,j4 ,k4 ,v&em>k1 :o =m]ly resid$ ne> ,spr+field1 ,ill41 & :o 0 well acqua9t$ ) ,l9coln1 on ! #ac? ( ,octob]1 #ahhg1 at ,valp>aiso1 ,neb41 te/ifi$ z foll[s3 ,i met ,l9coln (t5--_h _m conv]sations ) him 9 8 (fice4 ,to ass]t t he 0 a believ] 9 ,*ri/ianity is absurd4 ,he _h no fai? 9 ! dogmas ( ! *ur*4 ,mr4 ,v&em>k at ! "t 8 te/imony 0 giv5 0 a memb] ( ! ,/ate ,s5ate ( ,nebraska4 ,a4 ,,jeffrey4 ,mr4 ,jeffrey1 :o has resid$ ne> ,waynesville1 ,ill41 = a p]iod ( fifty ye>s1 & :o 0 9 ! habit ( att5d+ c\rt ) ,l9coln1 ye> aft] ye>1 9 an int]view on ! #a/ ( ,m>*1 #ahhg1 made ! foll[+ /atem5t3 ,l9coln 0 decid$ly ,lib]al4 ,he admitt$ t he wrote a book aga9/ ,*ri/ianity4 ,9 lat] ye>s he seldom talk$ on ?is subject1 b he did n *ange 8 belief4 ,a ?ru/ at ! doctr9e ( endless puni%m5t always pleas$ him4 ,?is doctr9e he abhorr$4 ,,dr4 ,,ar* ,e4 ,mc,n,e,a,l,l ,dr4 ,mc,neall1 an old physician ( ,b[51 ,ill41 :o 0 a delegate to ! ,decatur ,conv5tion :i* br\ght ,l9coln =w>d z a c&idate = ! ,presid5cy1 says3 ,i met ,l9coln (t5 dur+ our political campaigns1 & 0 q well acqua9t$ ) him4 ,i "k t he 0 a ,lib]al ?9k]4 ,,*>les ,mc,g,r,e,w4 ,dr4 ,mc,grew is a resid5t ( ,coles ,c\nty1 ,ill4--! c\nty 9 :i* ne>ly all ( ,l9coln's relatives h resid$ = sixty ye>s4 ,he is a c\s9 ( ,hon4 ,all5 ,g4 ,?urman1 & is a man ( /]l+ "*4 ,he 0 = a "t relat$ to ,l9coln1 9 a bus9ess way1 & met him frequ5tly4 ,i met ,dr4 ,mc,grew 9 #ahhh1 & :5 ,i prop\nd$ ! "q1 ,0 ,l9coln a ,*ri/ian8 he repli$3 ,l9coln 0 n a ,*ri/ian4 ,he 0 cauti\s & res]v$ & seldom said any?+ ab\t religion except :5 he 0 alone ) a few companions ^: op9ions 7 simil> to 84 ,on su* occasions he did n hesitate to express 8 unbelief4 ,,edw>d ,,butl]4 ,e>ly 9 #aheh1 ,l9coln deliv]$ 8 memorable ,spr+field spee* :i* prep>$ ! way = 8 debates ) ,d\glas1 & made him ,presid5t ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates4 ,mr4 ,edw>d ,butl]1 :o resid$ 9 ,spr+field = a p]iod ( tw5ty-six ye>s1 & :o 0 well acqua9t$ ) ,l9coln1 0 lead] ( ! b& :i* furni%$ ! music on ?is occasion4 ,9 a lett] writt5 at ,lyons1 ,kan41 ,jan4 #af1ahij1 ,mr4 ,butl] relates "s incid5ts connect$ ) ! meet+1 & quotes a passage f ,l9coln's spee* to ! effect t f ! agitation ( ! slav]y "q1 tru? w\ld 9 ! end prevail ,allud+ to ?is passage1 ,mr4 ,butl] says3 ,%ortly aft] ! meet+ ref]r$ to1 ,i *anc$ to be talk+ ) ,l9coln & quizz+ly enquir$ h[ he c\ld reconcile ?is & simil> utt]ances ) ,holy ,writ8 ,)\t committ+ himself1 he enquir$ if ,i _h read ,gregg's ',cre$ ( ,*ri/5dom4' ,i in=m$ him t ,i _h n4 ',!n1' said he1 'read t book & p]haps y may asc]ta9 my views ab\t tru? prevail+4' ,i nev] conv]s$ ) ,l9coln aft]w>ds1 b ,i obta9$ ! book1 :i* ,i keep treasur$ 9 my libr>y4 ,i am well conv9c$ t no man :o is us$ to weigh+ evid5ce1 especially ( ,l9coln's humane & unbias$ disposition1 c read ! book 9 "q )\t tru? com+ to ! surface4 ,x is h>dly necess>y to /ate t ,gregg's ,cre$ ( ,*ri/5dom is a /&>d "w 9 ,infidel lit]ature1 "o ( ! mo/ s*ol>ly1 p[]ful & conv9c+ argum5ts aga9/ or?odox ,*ri/ianity ev] writt54 ,,joseph ,,/af=d4 ,joseph ,/af=d1 a resid5t ( ,galesburg1 ,ill41 & an acqua9tance ( ,l9coln1 says3 ,i "k t ,l9coln 0 a ,lib]al4 ,,judge ,a4 ,d4 ,,morton4 ,9 ,april1 #ahic1 at ,ardmore1 ,i4 ,t41 ,i met ,judge ,norton1 ( ,ga9esville1 ,tex41 an old acqua9tance ( ,l9coln & ,d\glas4 ,judge ,norton relat$ _m int]e/+ rem9isc5ces ( ^! not$ m54 ,speak+ ( ,l9coln's religion1 he said3 ,= ne>ly fifty ye>s ,i 0 a resid5t ( ,ill9ois4 ,i practic$ = _m ye>s 9 ! same c\rts ) ,l9coln & knew him well4 ,he 0 an ,infidel4 ,9 8 e>ly manhood he wrote a book aga9/ ,*ri/ianity :i* 8 fri5ds prev5t$ him f publi%+4 ,because he _h become fam\s1 ! *ur* prea*$ him f a !atre to heav54 ,j4 ,l ,,morrell4 ,mr4 ,j4 ,l4 ,morrell1 a wor?y citiz5 ( ,vird51 ,ill41 :o came to ,ill9ois soon aft] ,l9coln did1 settl$ 9 ! adjo9+ c\nty to him1 & l him foll[$ = a "t ! avocation ( surveyor1 9 a conv]sation ) ! writ]1 on ! #h? ( ,febru>y1 #ahhi1 made ! foll[+ /atem5t3 ,i knew ,l9coln well--met him (t54 ,8 religion 0 ! religion ( common s5se4 ,he w5t into ?is subject z deep z any man4 ,he did n believe ! inconsi/5cies ( !ology4 ,he 0 n a ,*ri/ian4 ,,m>lon ,,ross1 ,,esq4 ,squire ,boss1 ano!r old resid5t ( ,vird51 ,ill41 a lawy]1 & a writ] ( "s repute1 says3 ,i 0 acqua9t$ ) ,l9coln1 b nev] talk$ ) him on religion4 ,he did n belong to *ur*1 & 8 fri5ds say t he 0 n a ,*ri/ian4 ,,lusk ,,wilson4 ,simil> to ! above is ! te/imony ( ,mr4 ,lusk ,wilson1 a prom95t & respectable citiz5 ( ,lit*field1 ,ill43 ,i 0 acqua9t$ ) ,abraham ,l9coln1 b nev] he>d him give 8 views on ! subject ( religion4 ,8 p>tn]1 ,h]ndon1 & o!r fri5ds1 /ate t he 0 n a believ] 9 ,*ri/ianity4 ,,hon4 ,,james ,,tuttle4 ,two miles ea/ ( ,atlanta1 ,ill41 resides "o ( ! pione]s ( ,ill9ois1 ,james ,tuttle1 n[ ov] eighty ye>s ( age4 ,he 0 a memb] ( ! ,con/itutional ,conv5tion ( #ahdg1 & is a man univ]sally e/eem$ = 8 love ( tru? & hone/y4 ,mr4 ,tuttle's resid5ce is situat$ on ! /ate road lead+ f ,spr+field to ,bloom+ton4 ,9 go+ f ,spr+field to ,bloom+ton1 to att5d c\rt1 & 9 return+ home aga91 ,l9coln always /opp$ ov] night ) ,mr4 ,tuttle4 ,!ological que/ions 7 favorite topics ) bo? ( !m1 & ! ev5+ h\rs 7 usually sp5t 9 conv]sations ( ?is "*4 ,mr4 ,tuttle accord+ly became well acqua9t$ ) ,l9coln's religi\s views4 ,feb4 #bf1 #ahhg1 at ,m9i]1 ,ill41 he made ! foll[+ /atem5t relative to !m3 ,mr4 ,l9coln did n believe 9 ,*ri/ianity4 ,he d5\nc$ x unsp>+ly4 ,he _h ! greate/ contempt = religi\s revivals1 & call$ ^? :o took "p 9 !m a set ( ignoramuses4 ,he 0 "o ( ! mo/ ard5t admir]s ( ,?omas ,pa9e ,i ev] met4 ,he 0 cont9ually quot+ f ! ',age ( ,reason4' ,said he1 ',i nev] tire ( read+ ,pa9e4' ,mr4 ,tuttle is confid5t t ,l9coln always rema9$ a ,free?9k]1 & believes t ^? :o claim to h evid5ce f him to ! contr>y1 willfully affirm :at !y "k to be false4 ,h4 ,k4 ,,magie4 ,mr4 ,magie =m]ly liv$ 9 ,ill9ois1 & 0 = a "t connect$ ) ! ,/ate ,dep>tm5t at ,spr+field4 ,writ+ f ,brooklyn1 ,n4 ,t41 ,m>* #ai1 #ahhh1 he says3 ,my acqua9tance ) ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 limit$1 z ,i did n reside 9 ,spr+field dur+ 8 resid5ce !re4 ,i met him dur+ 8 campaign ) ,d\glas at diff]5t times1 & 0 ) him once = ?ree days4444 ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 a ,free?9k] ( ! ,?omas ,pa9e type4 ,!re h be5 pick$ up "s ( ,mr4 ,l9coln's utt]ances ab\t ',provid5ce1' ',god1' & ! l1 on :i* an attempt is made to make him out a ,*ri/ian4 ,^? :o knew him intimately agree 9 ! /atem5t t he 0 a pron\nc$ skeptic4 ,mr4 ,magie also ref]s to ! ,infidel pamphlet writt5 by ,l9coln4 ,8 k reg>d+ ?is1 h[ev]1 0 d]iv$1 n f ,l9coln himself1 b f 8 fri5ds4 ,he says3 ,at "o "t he wrote a criticism ( ! ,new ,te/am5t :i* he propos$ to publi% & :i* 8 fri5ds succe$$ 9 hav+ suppress$1 solely because ( _! reg>d = 8 political future4 ,9 a rec5t contribution to a ,new ,york pap] f ,wa%+ton1 ,d4 ,c1 ,mr4 ,magie writes z foll[s3 ,i h always be5 fully p]suad$ 9 my own m9d t x w\ld h be5 utt]ly impossible = a man possess+ t intuitive wisdom1 ke5ness ( logic1 & disc]nm5t ( tru?1 :i* 7 ! m>k$ *>act]i/ics ( ,mr4 ,l9coln's m9d1 ev] to h subscrib$ to ! atroci\s doctr9es ( ! ,*ri/ian *ur*4 ,he 0 develop$ f> above x1 & al?\gh mak+ no w> ^u ! *ur*1 he did n hesitate to speak 8 m9d freely ^u ^! subjects ^u all prop] occasions4 ,i liv$ 9 ,spr+field among 8 old neighbors = _m ye>s1 & ,i h talk$ ) _m ( !m1 & to ^? :o _h good opportunity to "k 8 views t\*+ religi\s matt]s4 ,all1 )\t exception1 class$ him among ! skeptics4 ,x 0 n until aft] 8 dea? t he 0 claim$ z a ,*ri/ian4 ,i am sorry = ,newton ,bateman4 ,he has plac$ himself 9 a mo/ awkw>d pr$icam5t by try+ to keep out ( "o4444 ,he p]mitt$ ,mr4 ,holl& to circulate an atroci\s falsehood 9 8 ',life ( ,l9coln' r ?an incur 'unpleasant notoriety' by a firm & c\rage\s d5ial4 ,x is n a matt] ( mu* importance z to j :at ,abraham ,l9coln did believe conc]n+ ,god1 ! ,bible1 or ! man ,jesus1 b :5 we discov] an e>ne/1 p]si/5t1 mean1 & wick$ attempt by ly+ & deceitful m5 to p]v]t ! tru? 9 ?is matt]1 9 ord] t _! 'holy religion' %all pr(it by _! lies1 ! matt] does become ( "s importance1 & ,i am glad t ,mr4 -------- has tak5 hold ( ?is subject ) t zeal & e>ne/ness :i* usually *>act]ize 8 great ability1 & f :at ,i "k 9 ?is matt] ,i c assure all :om x may conc]n t by ! "t he is ?r\gh ) ! subject x w be deem$ settl$ t ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 n a hypocrite1 nei!r 0 he a believ] 9 ! mon/r\s & sup]/iti\s doctr9es ( ! ,*ri/ian *ur*4 ,! =ego+ evid5ce1 ) ! exception ( a portion ( ,mr4 ,magie's te/imony1 0 all giv5 to ! writ] by ! witnesses !mselves1 ei!r by lett] or orally1 & he h]eby c]tifies to its fai?ful transcription4 ,?is evid5ce is f m5 ^: *>act]s z witnesses _c be impea*$1 & x is h>dly possible t "o ( !m w ev] favor ! o!r side ) a disclaim]4 ,,col4 ,f4 ,s4 ,,ru!r=d4 ,i wi% n[ to record a /atem5t f ,colonel ,ru!r=d1 a well-kn[n citiz5 & soldi] ( ,ill9ois4 ,x 0 n made to ! writ]1 b 0 made dur+ ! w> to ,mr4 ,w4 ,w4 ,fras]1 a memb] ( 8 regim5t1 & a man ( unque/ionable v]acity4 ,i w let ,mr4 ,fras] pres5t x1 toge!r ) ! circum/ances :i* call$ x out4 ,i quote f a lett] dat$ ,ottawa1 ,kan41 ,dec4 #af1 #ahha3 ,dur+ ! siege ( ,vicksburg our colonel1 ,f4 ,s4 ,ru!r=d1 ,colonel ( ! #ig? #aaa4 ,vol4 ,inft41 0 ab\t to leave u1 & ,i w5t to see him ab\t tak+ a small package to ,alton--8 home & m9e4 ,he _h be5 sick & q unable to d active s]vice4 ,dur+ our conv]sation ,i said t _m ( ! ,alton boys did n l to be left "u ! comm& ( ----------4 ,colonel ,ru!r=d !n said3 ',if my life is wor? any?+ ,i owe x z mu* to my family z my c\ntry1 & x w be wor?less to ei!r if ,i /ay mu* long] 9 camp1 b ,i hate to leave ! boys4' ,colonel ,ru!r=d said t he _h /ump$ 8 di/rict = ,mr4 ,l9coln1 & _h expect$1 f ,mr4 ,l9coln's promises1 some?+ bett] ?an a colonelcy4 ,i told ,colonel ,ru!r=d t ,i 0 sorry to he> t1 z ,i _h always ?\ght s well ( ,mr4 ,l9coln4 ,mr4 ,ru!r=d !n said3 ',:at m c\ld y expect ( an ,infidel8' ,i said3 ',:y1 ,colonel1 doesn't ,l9coln believe 9 a ,god8' ,he repli$3 ',well1 he may believe 9 ,god1 b he doesn't believe 9 ! ,bible nor ,*ri/4 ,i "k x1 = ,i h he>d him make fun ( !m & say t ,*ri/ 0 a ba/>d if ,joseph 0 n 8 fa!r1 & ,i h "s %eets ( pap] n[ at home t he wrote1 mak+ fun ( ! ,bible4 ,,judge ,,rob]t ,,lea* ,,man4 ,! v5]able ,s\!rn juri/1 ,judge ,lea*man1 0 "o ( ,l9coln's intimate & valu$ fri5ds4 ,he is a ,*ri/ian1 b c&idly confesses t ,l9coln 0 n a believ]4 ,9 ! autumn ( #ahhi1 at ,anni/on1 ,ala41 ,judge ,lea*man made ! foll[+ /atem5t to ,mr4 ,w4 ,s4 ,&res1 ( ,portsm\?1 ,o43 ,l9coln 0 n su* a ,*ri/ian z ! t]m is us$ to imply by *ur* memb]s & *ur*-go+ p4 ,he 0 9 ! /ricte/ s5se a morali/1 he look$ to actions & n to belief4 ,he greatly admir$ ! ,gold5 ,rule1 & 0 "o ( ^? :o ?\ght t ',"o _w at a "t' 0 a good idea4444 ,he ?\ght ?is a good place to be happy z is %[n by 8 wond]ful love = lib]ty & m]cy4 ,no1 ,i c tru?fully say1 ,abraham ,l9coln 0 n a ,*ri/ian4 ,,hon4 ,,or9 ,b4 ,,g\ld4 ,ano!r fri5d & admir] ( ,l9coln 0 ,or9 ,b4 ,g\ld1 ( ,frankl9 ,furnace1 ,o4 ,mr4 ,g\ld 0 "o ( ! not$ m5 ( ,s\!rn ,ohio4 ,he 0 a man ( /]l+ wor? & ext5sive k1 & 0 famili>ly kn[n z ! ,sage ( ! ,furnace4 ,he became acqua9t$ ) ,l9coln 9 ,ill9ois at an e>ly day1 & a close fri5d%ip exi/$ betwe5 !m :ile ,l9coln liv$4 ,mr4 ,g\ld surviv$ 8 illu/ri\s fri5d ne>ly a qu>t] ( a c5tury1 dy+ rec5tly at 8 beautiful home on ! banks ( ! ,ohio4 ,previ\s to 8 dea? ! "q ( ,l9coln's religion 0 pres5t$ to him & 8 own views on ! subject solicit$4 ,8 response 0 z foll[s3 ,he1 l myself1 recogniz$ no mon/]s = ,gods4 ,he1 l myself1 disc>d$ ! div9ity ( ,*ri/1 & ! idea ( a hell's fire4 ,he1 l myself1 admir$ ,*ri/ z a man1 & believ$ ! devil & evil to be simply 'tru? misund]/ood4' ,he1 l myself1 ?\ght good :]ev] f\nd %\ld be accept$ & ! bad reject$4 ,m4 ,s4 ,,g[94 ,mr4 ,g[91 an old & prom95t citiz51 & a ,ju/ice ( ! ,peace1 ( ,mc,cune1 ,kan41 9 a rec5t article1 has ?is to say reg>d+ ,l9coln3 ,i liv$ ne> ,spr+field1 ,ill41 f ! "t t ,i 0 a *ild1 & at ! "t ,l9coln came be=e ! p1 & dur+ ! "t he 0 ,presid5t1 8 enemies call$ him an ,infidel1 & 8 fri5ds did n d5y x4 ,,col4 ,,rob]t ,g4 ,,+]soll4 ,on ! eighty-f\r? anniv]s>y ( ,l9coln's bir?1 ,col4 ,+]soll deliv]$ 9 ,new ,york 8 ma/]ly oration on ,abraham ,l9coln4 ,9 ?is oration he affirm$ t ! religion ( ,l9coln 0 ! religion ( ,voltaire & ,pa9e4 ,imm$iately aft] its deliv]y ,g54 ,collis1 ( ,new ,york1 address$ ! foll[+ note to ,col4 ,+]soll3 ,de> ,col4 ,+]soll3 ,i h j return$ home f li/5+ to y\r mo/ ent]ta9+ lecture ^u ! life ( ,abraham ,l9coln4 ,i ?ank y s9c]ely = all t 0 good 9 x1 & t entitles me to be frank 9 condemn+ :at ,i consid] 0 bad4 ,y say t ,l9coln's religion 0 ! religion ( ,voltaire & ,tom ,pa9e4 ,i "k n :]e y get y\r au?ority = ?is1 b if ! /atem5t be true ,l9coln himself 0 untrue1 = no man invok$ '! graci\s favor ( ,almighty ,god' 9 e ef=t ( 8 life ) m app>5t f]vor ?an did he1 & ?is ,god 0 n ! ,dei/s' ,god b ! ,god :om he wor%ip$ "u ! =ms ( ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur*1 ( :i* he 0 a memb]4 ,i d n write ?is 9 def5se ( 8 religion or z object+ to y\rs1 b ,i ?9k x 7 bett] = ! tru? ( hi/ory t y %\ld blame him = :at he 0 ?an comm5d him = :at he 0 n4 ,s9c]ely y\rs1 ,*>les ,h4 ,t4 ,collis4 ,9 answ] to ! above ,col4 ,+]soll p5n$ ! foll[+ reply3 ,g54 ,*>les ,h4 ,t4 ,collis1 ,my de> sir3 ,i h j receiv$ y\r lett] 9 :i* y criticise a /atem5t made by me to ! effect t ,l9coln's religion 0 ! religion ( ,voltaire & ,?omas ,pa9e1 & y add1 ',i "k n :]e y get y\r au?ority = ?is1 b if ! /atem5t be true ,l9coln himself 0 untrue1 = no man ev] invok$ ! graci\s favor ( ,almighty ,god 9 e ef=t ( 8 life ) m app>5t f]vor ?an did he4' ,y seem to be labor+ "u ! impression t ,voltaire 0 n a believ] 9 ,god1 & t he c\ld n h invok$ ! graci\s favor ( ,almighty ,god4 ,! tru? is t ,voltaire 0 n only a believ] 9 ,god1 b ev5 9 special ,provid5ce4 ,i "k t ! cl]gy h always d5\nc$ ,voltaire z an ,a!i/1 b ?is c be acc\nt$ = 9 two ways3 7#a7 ,by ! ignorance ( ! cl]gy1 & 7#b7 by _! contempt ( tru?4 ,?omas ,pa9e 0 also a believ] 9 ,god1 & wrote 8 cre$ z foll[s3 ',i believe 9 "o ,god & no m1 & hope = immortality4' ,! m9i/]s h also d5\nc$ ,pa9e z an ,a!i/4 ,y w1 !re=e1 see t y\r fir/ /atem5t is )\t ! slighte/ f\ndation 9 fact4 ,l9coln c\ld be p]fectly true to himself if he agre$ ) ! religi\s s5tim5ts ( ,voltaire & ,pa9e1 & yet invoke ! graci\s favor ( ,almighty ,god4 ,y also say1 ',?is ,god' 7mean+ ! ,god ^: favor ,l9coln invok$7 '0 n ! ,dei/s' ,god4' ,! ,dei/s believe 9 an ,inf9ite ,be+1 :o creat$ & pres]ves ! univ]se4 ,! ,*ri/ians believe no m4 ,dei/s & ,*ri/ians believe 9 ! same ,god1 b !y diff] z to :at ?is ,god has done1 & to :at ?is ,god w d4 ,y fur!r say t ',l9coln wor%ip$ 8 ,god "u ! =ms ( ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur*1 ( :i* he 0 a memb]4' ,aga9 y are mi/ak54 ,l9coln 0 nev] a memb] ( any *ur*4 ,mrs4 ,l9coln /at$ a few ye>s ago t ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 n a ,*ri/ian4 ,hundr$s ( 8 acqua9tances h said ! same ?+4 ,n only s1 b _m ( !m h te/ifi$ t he 0 a ,free?9k]2 t he d5i$ ! inspiration ( ! ,scriptures1 & t he always insi/$ t ,*ri/ 0 n ! son ( ,god1 & t ! dogma ( ! atonem5t 0 & is an absurdity4 ,i w v gladly pay y "o ?\s& doll>s = y\r tr\ble to %[ t "o /atem5t 9 y\r lett] is correct--ev5 "o4 ,& n[1 to quote y1 ',d y n ?9k x 7 bett] = ! tru? ( hi/ory t y %\ld /ate ! facts ab\t ,l9coln1 & t y %\ld comm5d him = :at he 0 r ?an = :at he 0 n8' ,y\rs truly1 ,r4 ,g4 ,+]soll4 ,,leon>d ,w4 ,,volk4 ,9 ! spr+ ( #ahfj1 j be=e ,l9coln 0 nom9at$ = ! ,presid5cy1 ! celebrat$ sculptor1 ,volk1 made a bu/ ( him4 ,he sp5t a week 9 ,*icago & made daily sitt+s 9 ! arti/'s /udio4 ,mr4 ,volk relates ! foll[+ incid5t1 :i* h>dly accords ) ! tales told ab\t ,l9coln's rev]5ce = ! ,sabba?1 & 8 love = *ur* s]vices3 ,he ent]$ my /udio on ,sunday morn+1 rem>k+ t a fri5d at ! hotel _h invit$ him to g to *ur*4 ',b1' said ,mr4 ,l9coln1 ',i ?\ght ,i'd r come & sit = ! bu/4 ,! fact is1' he cont9u$1 ',i don't l to he> cut-&-dri$ s]mons4' ,,joseph ,,jeff]son4 ,x is difficult = or?odox ,*ri/ians to reconcile ,l9coln's fondness = ! play ) 8 reput$ piety4 ,t 8 la/ act 0 a visit to ! !at] is a fact t /&s out 9 gha/ly prom95ce to !m4 ,to break its =ce !y (f] v>i\s explanations4 ,"s say t he w5t to avoid ! (fice-seek]s2 o!rs t ,mrs4 ,l9coln compell$ him to g2 & /ill o!rs t he 0 l$ !re by fate4 ,! tru? is he 0 a frequ5t att5dant at ! !at]4 ,he w5t !re mu* (t5] ?an he w5t to *ur*4 ,! visit ( a cl]gyman annoy$ him1 b ! society ( actors he enjoy$4 ,he greatly admir$ ! act+ ( ,edw9 ,boo?4 ,he s5t a note to ! actor ,hackett1 prais+ him = 8 f9e pres5tation ( ,fal/aff4 ,he call$ ,john ,mc,culloch to 8 box "o night & congratulat$ him on 8 successful r5dition ( ! "p he 0 play+4 ,9 8 autobiography1 :i* rec5tly appe>$ 9 ! ,c5tury ,magaz9e1 ,joseph ,jeff]son gives "s int]e/+ rem9isc5ces ( ,l9coln4 ,9 ! e>li] "p ( 8 dramatic c>e] he 0 connect$ ) a !atrical company1 ! manag]s ( :i*1 "o ( :om 0 8 fa!r1 built a !at] 9 ,spr+field1 ,ill4 ,a conflict betwe5 ! prea*]s & play]s ensu$4 ,! *ur* 0 p[]ful !n1 & ! city jo9$ ) ! *ur* to suppress ! !at]4 ,! hi/ory ( ! /ruggle & its t]m9ation1 z n>rat$ by ,mr4 ,jeff]son1 is z foll[s3 ,9 ! mid/ ( _! ris+ =tunes a heavy bl[ fell ^u !m4 ,a religi\s revival 0 9 progress at ! "t1 & ! fa!rs ( ! *ur* n only laun*$ =? aga9/ u 9 _! s]mons1 b by "s political maneuv] got ! city to pass a new law enjo9+ a heavy lic5se aga9/ our 'unholy' call+2 ,i =get ! am\nt1 b x 0 l>ge en\gh to be prohibitory4 ,"h 0 a t]rible condition ( affairs--all our available funds inve/$1 ! ,legislature 9 session1 ! t[n full ( p1 & by a heavy lic5se d5i$ ! privilege ( op5+ ! new !at]6 ,9 ! mid/ ( _! tr\ble a "y lawy] call$ on ! manag]s4 ,he _h he>d ( ! inju/ice1 & (f]$1 if !y w\ld place ! matt] 9 8 h&s1 to h ! lic5se tak5 (f1 decl>+ t he only desir$ to see fair play1 & he w\ld accept no fee :e!r he fail$ or succe$$4 ,! case 0 br\ght up be=e ! c\ncil4 ,! "y man began 8 h>angue4 ,he h&l$ ! subject ) tact1 skill1 & humor1 trac+ ! hi/ory ( ! drama f ! "t :5 ,!spis act$ 9 a c>t to ! /age ( to-day4 ,he illu/rat$ 8 spee* ) a numb] ( anecdotes1 & kept ! c\ncil 9 a ro> ( laught]2 8 good humor prevail$1 & ! exorbitant tax 0 tak5 (f4 ,?is "y lawy] 0 v popul> 9 ,spr+field1 & 0 honor$ & belov$ by all :o knew him1 &1 aft] ! "t ( :i* ,i write1 he held r an important position 9 ! ,gov]nm5t ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates4 ,he n[ lies buri$ ne> ,spr+field1 "u a monum5t commemorat+ 8 greatness & 8 virtues--& 8 "n 0 ,abraham ,l9coln4 ,,hon4 ,,elihu ,b4 ,,wa%burn4 ,! ball-room1 too1 _h its attractions = him4 ,"s ye>s ago ,hon4 ,e4 ,b4 ,wa%burn contribut$ to ! ,nor? ,am]ican ,review a l5g?y article on ,l9coln4 ,:5 ,presid5t ,taylor 0 inaugurat$1 ,l9coln 0 s]v+ 8 t]m 9 ,congress4 ,allud+ to ! inaugural ball1 ,mr4 ,wa%burn says3 ,a small numb] ( mutual fri5ds includ+ ,mr4 ,l9coln--made up a p>ty to att5d ! inauguration ball toge!r4 ,x 0 by f> ! mo/ brilliant inauguration ball ev] giv54444 ,we did n take our dep>ture until ?ree or f\r o'clock 9 ! morn+ 7,rem9isc5ces ( ,l9coln1 p4 #ai74 ,,hon1 ,,elijah ,m4 ,,ha9es4 ,9 ,febru>y1 #ahei1 ,gov]nor ,bissell gave a reception 9 ,spr+field :i* ,l9coln att5d$4 ,hon4 ,e4 ,m4 ,ha9es1 !n a memb] ( ! ,legislature1 & "o ( ,l9coln's support]s = ! ,s5ate1 ref]r+ to ! affair1 says3 ,danc+ 0 go+ on 9 ! adjac5t rooms1 & ,mr4 ,l9coln invit$ my wife to jo9 him 9 ! danc+1 :i* %e did1 & he app>5tly took mu* pleasure 9 ! recreation 7,e-,day ,life ( ,l9coln1 p4 #cjh74 ,e>ly 9 ,janu>y1 #ahfc1 ,presid5t & ,mrs4 ,l9coln gave a reception & ball at ! ,:ite ,h\se4 ,?is 0 a sev]e %ock to ! ,*ri/ians ( ! c\ntry1 & provok$ a /orm ( c5sure f ! religi\s press4 ,accord+ to ,n9ian ,edw>ds1 ,l9coln is conv]t$ to ,*ri/ianity ab\t #ahdh4 ,9 ,m>*1 #ahdi1 he att5ds ! inauguration ball & ,won't g home till morn+4 ,accord+ to ,dr4 ,smi?1 he is conv]t$ 9 #aheh4 ,9 ,febru>y1 #ahei1 he att5ds & p>ticipates 9 a ball at ,spr+field4 ,accord+ to ,noah ,brooks1 he is conv]t$ 9 #ahfb4 ,9 ,janu>y1 #ahfc1 he gives a ball himself4 ,9 e in/ance he retires f ! alt> only to ent] ! ball-room4 ,,*apt] ,,xii4 ,,te/imony ,,( ,,fri5ds ,,& ,,acqua9tances ,,( ,,l9coln ,,:o ,,knew ,,him ,,9 ,,wa%+ton ,hon4 ,geo4 ,w4 ,julian--,hon4 ,john ,b4 ,alley--,hon4 ,hugh ,mc,culloch-- ,donn ,piatt--,hon4 ,s*uyl] ,colfax--,hon4 ,geo4 ,s4 ,b\twell--,hon4 ,wm4 ,d4 ,kelly--,e4 ,h4 ,wood--,dr4 ,j4 ,j4 ,?ompson-- ,rev4 ,james ,%rigley--,hon4 ,john ,covode--,jas4 ,e4 ,murdock-- ,hon4 ,m4 ,b4 ,field--,h>riet ,bee*] ,/[e--,hon4 ,j4 ,p4 ,u%]-- ,hon4 ,s4 ,p4 ,*ase--,fr$]ick ,d\glas--,mr4 ,defrees--,hon4 ,wm4 ,h4 ,sew>d--,judge ,a>on ,goodri*--,nicolay & ,hay's ,life ( ,l9coln--,w>r5 ,*ase--,hon4 ,a4 ,j4 ,grov]--,judge ,james ,m4 ,nelson4 ,! evid5ce ( m ?an fifty witnesses has already be5 adduc$ to prove t ,l9coln 0 n a ,*ri/ian 9 ,ill9ois4 ,^? :o at fir/ 7 s =w>d to claim t he 01 h g5]ally recogniz$ ! futility ( ! claim4 ,!y h ab&on$ x1 & cont5t !mselves ) affirm+ t he became a ,*ri/ian aft] he w5t to ,wa%+ton4 ,^! claimants1 be+ = ! mo/ "p rigid sect>ians !mselves1 endeavor to conv9ce ! _w t he n only became a ,*ri/ian1 b an or?odox ,*ri/ian1 & a sect>ian2 t ev5 f a ,calv9i/ic /&po9t1 he 0 s\nd n only on ! tru? ( ! ,*ri/ian religion b on all its fundam5tal doctr9es & tea*+s4 ,! te/imony ( ,colonel ,lamon1 ,judge ,davis1 ,mrs4 ,l9coln1 & ,colonel ,nicolay1 n only refutes ?is claim1 b %[s t he 0 n 9 any j s5se ( ! t]m a ,*ri/ian :5 he di$4 ,9 addition to ?is evid5ce1 ,i w n[ pres5t ! te/imony ( a score ( o!r witnesses :o knew him 9 ,wa%+ton4 ,^! witnesses d n all affirm t he 0 a total disbeliev] 9 ,*ri/ianity2 b a "p ( !m d1 :ile ! te/imony ( ! rema9d] is to ! effect t he 0 n or?odox z claim$4 ,,hon4 ,,george ,w4 ,,julian4 ,our fir/ witness is ,george ,w4 ,julian1 ( ,indiana4 ,mr4 ,julian 0 = _m ye>s a lead] 9 ,congress1 0 ! ,anti-,slav]y c&idate = ,vice-,presid5t1 9 #aheb1 & "o ( ! f\nd]s ( ! p>ty t elect$ ,l9coln to ! ,presid5cy4 ,he 0 "o ( ,l9coln's w>me/ p]sonal fri5ds & intimately acqua9t$ ) him at ,wa%+ton4 ,writ+ to me f ,santa ,fe1 ,n4 ,m41 "u date ( ,m>* #ac1ahhh1 ,mr4 ,julian says3 ,i knew him ,l9coln well1 & ,i "k t he 0 n a ,*ri/ian 9 any old-fa%ion$ or?odox s5se ( ! ^w1 b only a religi\s ,!i/4 ,he 01 sub/antially1 su* a ,*ri/ian z ,jeff]son1 ,frankl91 ,wa%+ton1 & ,john ,adams2 & x is p]fectly idle to ass]t ! contr>y4 ,,hon4 ,,john ,b4 ,,alley4 ,9 #ahhf1 ! publi%]s ( ! ,nor? ,am]ican ,review issu$ "o ( ! mo/ unique1 orig9al1 & int]e/+ works on ,l9coln t has yet appe>$--,rem9isc5ces ( ,abraham ,l9coln4 ,x 0 edit$ by ,all5 ,?orndike ,rice1 & comprises1 9 addition to a biographical sket* ( ,l9coln's life by ! editor1 ?irty-?ree articles on ,l9coln writt5 by z _m di/+ui%$ m5 ( 8 day4 ,"o ( ! be/ articles 9 ?is volume is f ! p5 ( "o ( ,bo/on's m]*ant pr9ces1 ,john ,b4 ,alley4 ,mr4 ,alley 0 = eight ye>s a memb] ( ,congress f ,massa*usetts1 s]v+ 9 ?is capacity dur+ all ! ye>s t ,l9coln 0 ,presid5t4 ,to 8 ability & integrity z a /atesman ?is rem>kable yet tru?ful tribute has be5 paid3 ,no bill he ev] report$ & no measure he ev] advocat$ dur+ 8 long t]m ( s]vice fail$ to receive ! approbation ( ! ,h\se4 ,l9coln recogniz$ 8 _m /]l+ qualities1 & ?r\gh\t ! w> 8 relations ) ! ,presid5t 7 ( ! mo/ intimate "*4 ,mr4 ,alley is "o ( ! _m :o "k t ,l9coln 0 n a ,*ri/ian1 & "o ( ! few :o h ! c\rage to affirm x4 ,he says3 ,9 8 religi\s views ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 v ne>ly :at we w\ld call a ,free?9k]4 ,:ile he reflect$ a great deal ^u religi\s subjects he communicat$ 8 ?\ghts to a v few4 ,he _h little fai? 9 ! popul> religion ( ! times4 ,he _h a broad conception ( ! goodness & p[] ( an ov]rul+ ,provid5ce1 & said to me "o day t he felt sure ! ,au?or ( our be+1 :e!r call$ ,god or ,nature1 x matt]$ little :i*1 w\ld deal v m]cifully ) poor err+ humanity 9 ! o!r1 & he hop$ bett]1 _w4 ,he 0 z free z possible f all sect>ian ?\ght1 feel+1 or s5tim5t4 ,no man 0 m tol]ant ( ! op9ions & feel+s ( o!rs 9 ! direction ( religi\s s5tim5t or _h less fai? 9 religi\s dogmas 7,rem9isc5ces ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #eij1 #eia74 ,9 conclusion1 ,mr4 ,alley says3 ,:ile ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 p]fectly hone/ & upright & l$ a blameless life1 he 0 9 no s5se :at might be consid]$ a religi\s man 7,ibid74 ,,hon4 ,,hugh ,,mccullo*4 ,hon4 ,hugh ,mc,culloch1 a memb] ( ,l9coln's ,cab9et1 8 la/ ,secret>y ( ! ,treasury1 writes3 ,grave & s$ate 9 mann]1 he 0 full ( k9d & g5tle emotion4 ,he 0 fond ( poetry4 ,%aksp]e 0 8 delight4 ,few m5 c\ld read ) equal expression ! plays ( ! great dramati/4 ,! !at] _h great attractions = him1 b x 0 com$y1 n trag$y1 he w5t to he>4 ,he _h great enjoym5t ( ! plays t made him laugh1 no matt] h[ absurd & grotesque1 & he gave expression to 8 enjoym5t by he>ty & noisy applause4 ,he 0 a man ( /rong religi\s convictions1 b he c>$ no?+ = ! dogmas ( ! *ur*es & _h little respect = _! cre$s 7,rem9isc5ces ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #dab1 #dac74 ,,donn ,,piatt4 ,! di/+ui%$ lawy]1 soldi] & j\rnali/1 ,donn ,piatt1 :o knew ,l9coln 9 ,ill9ois & :o met him (t5 9 ,wa%+ton1 writes3 ,i soon discov]$ t ?is /range & /rangely gift$ man1 :ile n at all cynical1 0 a skeptic4 ,8 view ( human nature 0 l[1 b good-natur$4 ,i c\ld n call x suspici\s1 b he believ$ only :at he saw 7,rem9isc5ces ( ,l9coln1 p4 #dhj74 ,^? :o are dispos$ to believe t ,l9coln's ,*ri/ian biograph]s h obs]v$ an inflexible adh]5ce to tru? 9 _! /atem5ts conc]n+ 8 religi\s belief w\ld d well to pond] ! foll[+ words ( ,mr4 ,piatt3 ,hi/ory is1 aft] all1 ! cry/allization ( popul> beliefs4 ,z a pleasant fiction is m acceptable ?an a nak$ fact1 & z ! hi/orian %apes 8 w>es1 l any o!r deal]1 to suit 8 cu/om]s1 "o c readily see t our *ronicles are only a dull] sort ( fiction ?an ! popul> novels s eag]ly read2 n t !y are true1 b t !y deal 9 :at we long to h--! tru?4 ,popul> beliefs1 9 "t1 come to be sup]/itions1 & create gods & devils4 ,?us ,wa%+ton is deifi$ into an impossible man1 & ,a>on ,burr has pass$ into a l impossible mon/]4 ,?r\gh ! same process ,abraham ,l9coln1 "o ( our truly great1 has almo/ gone f human k 7,ibid1 p4 #dgh74 ,,hon4 ,,s*uyl] ,,colfax4 ,previ\s to ! w> no class ( p]sons 7 l\d] 9 _! d5unciation ( ,abolitionism ?an ! cl]gy ( ! ,nor?4 ,:5 at la/ x became evid5t t ! in/itution ( slav]y 0 doom$1 9 _! eag]ness to be f\nd on ! popul> side1 !y 7 equally l\d 9 _! dem&s = its imm$iate extirpation4 ,9 ,septemb]1 #ahfb1 a deputation ( ,*icago cl]gym5 wait$ ^u ! ,presid5t = ! purpose ( urg+ him to proclaim ! fre$om ( ! slave4 ,not)/&+ he _h matur$ 8 plans & 0 ready to issue 8 ,proclamation1 he gave !m no intimation ( 8 int5tion4 ,9 connection ) _! visit1 ,colfax relates ! foll[+3 ,"o ( ^! m9i/]s felt x 8 duty to make a m se>*+ appeal to ! ,presid5t's consci5ce4 ,j z !y 7 retir+1 he turn$1 & said to ,mr4 ,l9coln1 ',:at y h said to u1 ,mr4 ,presid5t1 compels me to say to y 9 reply1 t x is a message to y f our ,div9e ,ma/]1 ?r\gh me1 comm&+ y1 sir1 to op5 ! doors ( bondage t ! slave may g free6' ,mr4 ,l9coln repli$1 in/antly1 ',t may be1 sir1 = ,i h /udi$ ?is "q1 by night & by day1 = weeks & = mon?s1 b if x is1 z y say1 a message f y\r ,div9e ,ma/]1 is x n odd t ! only *annel he c\ld s5d x by 0 t r\ndab\t r\te by t awfully wick$ city ( ,*icago8 7,rem9isc5ces ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #ccd1 #cce74 ,9 a lecture deliv]$ 9 ,brooklyn1 ,n4 ,t41 9 #ahhf1 ,mr4 ,colfax /at$ t ,l9coln 0 n a ,*ri/ian1 9 ! evangelical s5se4 ,to a g5tleman :o visit$ him at 8 home 9 ,s\? ,b5d1 ,ind41 he decl>$ t ,l9coln 0 n a believ] 9 or?odox ,*ri/ianity4 ,aga9 at ,at*ison1 ,kan41 he in=m$ ,mr4 ,p]k9s t ,l9coln _h nev] be5 conv]t$ to ,*ri/ianity1 z claim$4 ,,hon4 ,,william ,o4 ,,kelley4 ,william ,d4 ,kelley1 = ?irty ye>s a memb] ( ,congress f ,p5nsylvania1 relates an incid5t simil> to ! "o relat$ by ,mr4 ,colfax4 ,a ,quak] prea*] call$ at ! ,:ite ,h\se to urge ! ,presid5t to proclaim at once ! fre$om ( ! slave4 ,to illu/rate h] argum5t & emphasize h] plea1 %e cit$ ! hi/ory ( ,deborah4 ,hav+ elaborat$ ?is ,biblical example1 says ,mr4 ,kelley1 ! speak] assum$ t ! ,presid5t 01 z ,deborah _h be51 ! appo9t$ m9i/] ( ! ,"l1 & proce$$ to tell him t x 0 8 duty to foll[ ! example ( ,deborah1 & =?) aboli% slav]y1 & e/abli% fre$om ?r\gh\t ! l&1 z ! ,"l _h appo9t$ him to d4 ',has ! ,fri5d f9i%$8' said ! ,presid5t1 z %e ceas$ to speak4 ,hav+ receiv$ an affirmative answ]1 he said3 ',i h nei!r "t nor disposition to ent] into discussion ) ! ,fri5d1 & end ?is occasion by sugge/+ = h] consid]ation ! "q :e!r1 if x be true t ! ,"l has appo9t$ me to d ! "w %e has indicat$1 x is n probable t he w\ld h communicat$ k ( ! fact to me z well z to h]' 7,rem9isc5ces ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #bhd1 #bhe74 ,,hon4 ,,george ,s4 ,,b\twell4 ,a great _m pi\s /ories h be5 circulat$ 9 reg>d to ! ,emancipation ,proclamation4 ,we are told t he made a solemn v[ to ,god t if ,lee 0 defeat$ at ,antietam he w\ld issue ! ,prelim9>y ,proclamation4 ,& yet ?is docum5t conta9s no recognition ( ,god4 ,he ev5 complet$ ! draft ( x on :at ,*ri/ians are pleas$ to reg>d z ,god's holy day4 ,mr4 ,b\twell /ates t ,l9coln once relat$ to him ! circum/ances att5d+ ! promulgation ( ! in/rum5t4 ,he quotes ! foll[+ z ,l9coln's words3 ,! tru? is j ?is3 ,:5 ,lee came ov] ! riv]1 ,i made a resolution t if ,mc,clellan drove him back ,i w\ld s5d ! ,proclamation aft] him4 ,! battle ( ,antietam 0 f\ght ,w$nesday1 & until ,saturday ,i c\ld n f9d out :e!r we _h ga9$ a victory or lo/ a battle4 ,x 0 !n too late to issue ! ,proclamation t day1 & ! fact is ,i fix$ x up a little ,sunday1 & ,monday ,i let !m h x 7,rem9isc5ces ( ,l9coln1 p4 #abf74 ,e4 ,h4 ,,wood4 ,mr4 ,e4 ,h4 ,wood1 "o ( ,l9coln's old ,spr+field neighbors1 :o visit$ him at ,wa%+ton dur+ ! w>1 made ! foll[+ /atem5t to ,mr4 ,h]n-don1 9 ,octob]1 #ahha3 ,i came f ,auburn1 ,n4 ,y4--knew ,sew>d well--knew ,l9coln v well--liv$ = ?ree ye>s j across ! alley f 8 resid5ce4 ,i _h _m conv]sations ) him on politics & religion z late z #ahei & '#fj4 ,he 0 a broad religioni/--a ,lib]al4 ,l9coln told me ,frankl9's /ory4 ,frankl9 & a p>ticul> fri5d made an agreem5t t :5 ! fir/ "o di$ he w\ld come back & tell h[ ?+s w5t4 ,well1 ,frankl9's fri5d di$1 b nev] came back4 ',x is a d\btful "q1' said ,l9coln1 ':e!r we get any:]e to get back4' ,l9coln said1 ',!re is no hell4' ,he did n say mu* ab\t heav54 ,i met him 9 ,wa%+ton & saw no *ange 9 him4 ,i h giv5 ! te/imony ( two ( ,l9coln's ne>e/ neighbors 9 ,spr+field1 ,isaac ,hawley & ,e4 ,h4 ,wood4 ,mr4 ,hawley believes t ,l9coln 0 a ,*ri/ian2 ,mr4 ,wood kn[s t he 0 n4 ,mr4 ,hawley nev] he>d ,l9coln utt] a ^w to support 8 belief2 ,mr4 ,wood obta9$ 8 k f ,l9coln himself4 ,mr4 ,hawley's belief is ( little value comp>$ ) ,mr4 ,wood's k4 ,mr4 ,hawley nev] he>d ,l9coln def5d ,*ri/ianity & probably nev] he>d him oppose x4 ,l9coln knew t ,mr4 ,hawley 0 a ,*ri/ian--t he _h no sympa?y ) 8 ,free?\ght views4 ,he did n desire to (f5d or antagonize him1 & h5ce he refra9$ f introduc+ a subject t he knew 0 di/a/eful to him4 ,mr4 ,wood1 on ! o!r h&1 0 a man ( broad & ,lib]al ideas1 & ,l9coln did n hesitate to express to him 8 views ) fre$om4 ,j4 ,j4 ,,?ompson1 ,m4,d4 ,dr4 ,j4 ,j4 ,?ompson1 an old resid5t ( ,ill9ois1 n[ 9 ,colorado1 9 a lett]1 dat$ ,m>* #ah1 #ahhh1 writes z foll[s3 ,i knew ,abraham ,l9coln f my boyhood up to ! "t ( 8 dea?4 ,i 0 9 8 law (fice _m times & met him sev]al times 9 ,wa%+ton4 ,he 0 a ,lib]al1 outspok51 & seem$ to feel pr\d ( x4 ,?is great & good man1 concludes ,dr4 ,?ompson1 claim$ ,humanity z 8 religion4 ,,rev4 ,,james ,,%rigley4 ,rev4 ,jas4 ,%rigley1 ( ,philadelphia1 :o 0 acqua9t$ ) ,presid5t ,l9coln 9 ,wa%+ton1 & :o receiv$ a hospital *apla9cy f him1 says3 ,presid5t ,l9coln 0 also rem>kably tol]ant4 ,he 0 ! fri5d ( all1 & nev]1 to my k1 gave ! influ5ce ( 8 great "n to enc\rage sect>ianism 9 any ( its names & =ms 7,l9coln ,memorial ,album1 p4 #cce74 ,,hon4 ,,john ,,covode4 ,9 connection ) ,mr4 ,%rigley's appo9tm5t1 ! foll[+ anecdote is relat$4 ,mr4 ,%rigley 0 n or?odox1 & :5 x became kn[n t 8 "n _h be5 s5t to ! ,s5ate1 a ,committee ( ,"y ,*ri/ians wait$ ^u ! ,presid5t = ! purpose ( induc+ him to )draw ! nom9ation4 ,hon4 ,john ,covode1 ( ,p5nsylvania1 0 pres5t dur+ ! int]view & gave x to ! press4 ,x is z foll[s3 ',we h call$1 ,mr4 ,presid5t1 to conf] ) y 9 reg>d to ! appo9tm5t ( ,mr4 ,%rigley1 ( ,philadelphia1 z hospital *apla94' ,! ,presid5t respond$3 ',oh1 yes1 g5tlem52 ,i h s5t 8 "n to ! ,s5ate1 & he w no d\bt be confirm$ at an e>ly day4' ,"o ( ! "y m5 repli$3 ',we h n come to ask = ! appo9tm5t1 b to solicit y to )draw ! nom9ation4' ',ah1' said ,l9coln1 't alt]s ! case2 b on :at gr\nd d y ask ! nom9ation )drawn8' ,! answ] 01 ',mr4 ,%rigley is n s\nd 9 8 !ological op9ions4' ,! ,presid5t inquir$3 ',on :at "q is ! g5tleman uns\nd8' ,response3 ',he does n believe 9 endless puni%m5t2 n only s1 sir1 b he believes t ev5 ! rebels !mselves w f9ally be sav$4' ',is t s8' inquir$ ! ,presid5t4 ,! memb]s ( ! committee bo? respond$1 ',yes1' ',yes4' ',well1 g5tlem51 if t be s1 & !re is any way "u heav5 :]eby ! rebels c be sav$1 !n1 = ,god's sake & _! sakes1 let ! man be appo9t$' 7,l4 ,m4 ,a41 pp4 #ccf1 #ccg74 ,& he 0 appo9t$4 ,,james ,e4 ,,murdo*4 ,x is claim$ t few public m5 h made great] use ( ! ,bible ?an ,l9coln4 ,?is is true4 ,he 0 cont9ually quot+ ,scripture or allud+ to ,scriptural sc5es & /ories1 sometimes to illu/rate or adorn a s]i\s spee*1 b m frequ5tly to po9t or emphasize a joke4 ,! v5]able actor & elocutioni/1 ,james ,e4 ,murdo*1 :o _h met ,l9coln1 bo? 9 ,spr+field & ,wa%+ton1 relates an anecdote ( him :ile at ,wa%+ton :i* s]ves to illu/rate ?is prop5sity3 ,"o day a deta*m5t ( troops 0 m>*+ along ! av5ue s++ ! s\l-/irr+ /ra9 ( ',john ,br[n4' ,!y 7 wall$ 9 on ei!r side by ?rongs ( citiz5s & /rang]s1 ^: voices m+l$ 9 ! roll ( ! mighty w>-song4 ,9 ! mid/ ( ?is excit+ sc5e1 a man _h clamb]$ into a small tree1 on ! sidewalk1 :]e he clung1 unm9dful ( ! je]s ( ! pass+ cr[d1 call$ =? by ! /range antics he 0 unconsci\sly exhibit+ 9 8 ef=ts to ov]come ! sway+ motion ( ! slight /em :i* b5t b5ea? 8 weight4 ,mr4 ,l9coln's att5tion 0 attract$ = a mom5t1 & he paus$ 9 ! s]i\s conv]sation 9 :i* he 0 deeply int]e/$ & 9 an ab/ract$ mann]1 yet ) a droll ca/ ( ! eye1 & a nod ( ! head 9 ! direction ( ! man1 he repeat$1 9 8 dry & peculi> utt]ance1 ! foll[+ old-fa%ion$ c\plet3 ',& ,zac*e\s he did climb a tree1 ,8 ,"l & ,ma/] = to see4' 7,l4 ,m4 ,a41 pp4 #cdi1 #cej74 ,mr4 ,murdo* /ates t 9 connection ) ?is incid5t ,l9coln 0 *>g$ ) turn+ sacr$ subjects into ridicule4 ,he apologizes =1 & attempts to palliate ?is levity1 & affects to believe t ,l9coln 0 a ,*ri/ian4 ,b almo/ daily ,l9coln indulg$ 9 jokes at ! exp5se ( ! ,bible & ,*ri/ianity1 _m ( !m t5-fold m sacrilegi\s 9 _! "* ?an ?is trifl+ incid5t relat$ by ,mr4 ,murdo*4 ,if ! scrupul\sly pi\s consid]$ ?is simple je/1 utt]$ 9 ! mid/ ( a mix$ cr[d1 irrev]5t1 :at w\ld h be5 _! horror c\ld !y h li/5$ to "s ( 8 rem>ks made :5 alone ) a skeptical boon companion8 ,) ,*ri/ians & ) /rang]s he 0 g5]ally gu>d$ 9 8 spee*1 le/ he %\ld give (f5se2 b ) 8 unbeliev+ fri5ds1 up to ! end ( 8 c>e]1 8 ke5e/ %afts ( wit 7 n infrequ5tly aim$ at ! religion ( 8 day4 ,?is %[s t ! popul> fai? _h no m sacr$ness = ,l9coln1 ! ,presid5t1 9 ,wa%+ton1 ?an x _h = ,l9coln1 ! f>m]'s boy1 :o mock$ & mimick$ x 9 ,indiana1 or ,l9coln1 ! lawy]1 :o sc(f$ at x & argu$ aga9/ x 9 ,ill9ois4 ,,hon4 ,,maunsell ,b4 ,,field4 ,mr4 ,field1 :o _h met ne>ly all ! not$ *>act]s ( 8 day1 bo? ( ,europe & ,am]ica1 9 8 ,memories ( ,_m ,m51 has ?is significant s5t5ce respect+ ,l9coln3 ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 entirely defici5t 9 :at ! phr5ologi/s call rev]5ce v5]ation4 ,?is made x easy = him to emancipate himself f ! slav]y ( prie/craft & become & rema9 a ,free?9k]4 ,pr(essor ,beall1 "o ( ! able/ ( liv+ phr5ological writ]s1 says3 ,no man c 'enjoy religion1' z ! ,me?odi/s express x1 unless he has well develop$ v5]ation & wond] 7,! ,bra9 & ! ,bible1 p4 #aji74 ,all ^? :o rebel aga9/ any =m ( gov]nm5t :i* 9 *ildhood !y 7 taught to rev]e1 mu/ ( necessity d s 9 opposition to ! faculty ( v5]ation4 ,?us x is obvi\s t ! less "o possesses ( ! cons]vative re/ra9+ faculties1 ! m easily he becomes a rebel or an ,infidel to t :i* 8 reason condemns4 ,on ! o!r h&1 ! pr(\ndly consci5ti\s & rev]5tial man1 :o s9c]ely reg>ds unbelief z a s91 ( c\rse in/9ctively antagonizes e skeptical ?\ght1 & is ?us likely to rema9 a slave to ! religion le>n$ at 8 "m's knee 7,ibid1 p4 #bbh74 ,mr4 ,field also relates ! foll[+ anecdote ( ,l9coln3 ,i 0 once 9 ,mr4 ,l9coln's company :5 a sect>ian controv]sy arose4 ,he himself look$ v grave1 & made no obs]vation until all ! o!rs _h f9i%$ :at !y _h to say4 ,!n ) a tw9kle ( ! eye he rem>k$ t he pref]r$ ! ,episcopalians to e o!r sect1 because !y are equally indiff]5t to a man's religion & 8 politics4 ,,h>riet ,,bee*] ,,/[e4 ,! not$ au?or ( ,uncle ,tom's ,cab9 _h sev]al int]views ) ! ,presid5t4 ,%e wrote an article on him :i* has be5 cit$ 9 pro( ( 8 deeply religi\s nature4 ,b if h] words prove any?+1 !y prove t he 0 n an evangelical ,*ri/ian4 ,!y are z foll[s3 ,b ,almighty ,god has grant$ to him t cle>ness ( vision :i* he gives to ! true-he>t$1 & enabl$ him to set 8 hone/ foot 9 t promis$ l& ( fre$om :i* is to be ! patrimony ( all m51 black & :ite2 & f h5ce=? nations %all rise up & call him bless$4 ,we believe he has nev] made any religions pr(ession1 b we see evid5ce t 9 pass+ ?r\gh ?is dreadful national crisis1 he has be5 =c$ by ! v angui% ( ! /ruggle to look upw>d1 :]e any rational creature mu/ look = support4 ,no man 9 ?is agony has suff]$ m & deep]1 albeit ) a dry1 we>y1 pati5t pa91 t seem$ to "s l ins5sibility4 ',:i*ev] way x ends1' he said to ! writ]1 ',i h ! impression t ,i %an't la/ long aft] x's ov]' 7,e-,day ,life ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #ege1 #egf74 ,mrs4 ,/[e 0 h]self an or?odox ,*ri/ian communicant1 b h] /ore ( good s5se 0 too great to all[ h] to inflict h] religi\s notions ^u ! unbeliev+ ,presid5t1 &1 z a consequ5ce1 %e did n see him ru% out ( ! room ) a ,bible "u 8 arm to--,i 0 go+ to say--pray ,god to deliv] him f an intol]able nuisance4 ,t ! mighty burd5 :i* press$ ^u ,l9coln made him a sadd] & m s]i\s man at ,wa%+ton ?an he _h be5 be=e is true4 ,*ri/ians are always mi/ak+ sadness = p5it5ce & s]i\sness = piety1 & s !y claim t he exp]i5c$ a *ange ( he>t4 ,,hon4 ,,john ,p4 ,,u%]4 ,*ri/ians & ,!i/s are wont to speak ( ,l9coln's con/ant & firm reliance ^u ,god4 ,b x is a little rem>kable t 9 ! prep>ation ( 8 greate/ "w he did n rely ^u ,god4 ,9 ! supreme mom5ts ( 8 life he =got ,god4 ,dr4 ,b>r[s says3 ,:5 he wrote 8 immortal ,proclamation1 he invok$ ^u x444 '! graci\s favor ( ,almighty ,god4' ,:5 he wrote 8 immortal ,proclamation he _h no ?\ght ( ,god4 ,judge ,u%]1 a memb] ( 8 ,cab9et1 tells u h[ ,god came to be invok$3 ,9 ! prep>ation ( ! f9al ,proclamation ( ,emancipation1 ( ,janu>y #a1 #ahfc1 ,mr4 ,l9coln manife/$ great solicitude4 ,he _h 8 orig9al draft pr9t$ & furni%$ ea* memb] ( 8 ,cab9et ) a copy1 ) ! reque/ t ea* %\ld exam9e1 criticise1 & sugge/ any am5dm5ts t occurr$ to !m4 ,at ! next meet+ ( ! ,cab9et ,mr4 ,*ase said3 ',?is pap] is ( ! utmo/ importance--great] ?an any /ate pap] ev] made by ?is ,gov]nm5t4 ,a pap] ( s mu* importance1 & involv+ ! lib]ties ( s _m p1 ought1 ,i ?9k1 to make "s ref]5ce to ,deity4 ,i d n obs]ve any?+ ( ! k9d 9 x4' ,mr4 ,l9coln said3 ',no2 ,i ov]look$ x4 ,"s ref]5ce to ,deity mu/ be ins]t$4 ,mr4 ,*ase1 won't y make a draft ( :at y ?9k ought to be ins]t$8' ,mr4 ,*ase promis$ to d s1 & at ! next meet+ pres5t$ ! foll[+3 ',& ^u ?is ,act1 s9c]ely believ$ to be an act ( ju/ice w>rant$ by ! ,con/itution ^u milit>y necessity1 ,i invoke ! consid]ate judgm5t ( mank9d & ! graci\s favor ( ,almighty ,god' 7,rem9isc5ces ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #ia1 #ib74 ,,hon4 ,,salmon ,p4 ,,*ase4 ,9 ! ,new ,york ,tribune ( ,feb4 #bb;d1 #ahic1 appe>$ an article on ,h[ ! ,emancipation ,proclamation 0 made1 writt5 by ,mrs4 ,janet ,*ase ,hoyt1 daught] ( ,salmon ,p4 ,*ase4 ,9 ?is article ,mrs4 ,hoyt gives ! foll[+ extract f a lett] writt5 to h] by h] fa!r 9 #ahfg3 ,look+ ov] old pap]s1 ,i f\nd _m ( my memor&a1 etc41 ( ! w>1 & among !m my draft ( a proclamation ( emancipation submitt$ to ,mr4 ,l9coln ! day be=e 8 own 0 issu$4 ,he ask$ all ( u = sugge/ions 9 reg>d to its =m & ,i submitt$ m9e 9 writ+1 & among o!r s5t5ces ! close z x n[ /&s1 :i* he adopt$ f my draft ) a modification4 ,x may be int]e/+ to y to see precisely :at ,i said1 & ,i copy x4 ,y mu/ rememb] t 9 ! orig9al draft !re 0 no ref]5ce :atev] to ,div9e or human sanction ( ! act4 ,:at ,i said 0 ?is at ! conclusion ( my lett]3 ',f9ally1 ,i respectfully sugge/ t on an occasion ( su* int]e/ !re c be no imputation ( affectation aga9/ a solemn recognition ( responsibility be=e m5 & be=e ,god1 & t "s su* close z ?is w be prop]3 ,& ^u ?is act1 s9c]ely believ$ to be an act ( ju/ice w>rant$ by ! ,con/itution 7& ( duty dem&$ by ! circum/ances ( ! c\ntry71 ,i invoke ! consid]ate judgm5t ( mank9d & ! graci\s favor ( ,almighty ,god4' ,mr4 ,l9coln adopt$ ?is close1 sub/itut+ only = ! words inclos$ 9 p>5!ses ^! words3 '^u milit>y necessity1' :i* ,i ?9k 0 n an improvem5t4' ,,mr4 ,,defrees4 ,dur+ 8 ,presid5cy ! cl]gy petition$ him to recomm5d 9 8 message to ,congress an am5dm5t to ! ,con/itution recogniz+ ! exi/5ce ( ,god4 ,9 prep>+ 8 message x seems t he ins]t$ ! reque/4 ,ref]r+ to ?is1 ,mr4 ,defrees1 ,sup]9t5d5t ( ,public ,pr9t+ dur+ ,l9coln's adm9i/ration1 says3 ,:5 ,i assi/$ him 9 read+ ! pro( he /ruck x out1 rem>k+ t he _h n made up 8 m9d z to its propriety 7,we/m9/] ,review1 ,sept4 #ahia74 ,,hon4 ,,william ,h4 ,,sew>d4 ,9 8 ,travels ,ar\nd ! ,_w1 ,sew>d records "o ( ,l9coln's s>ca/ic hits at ! doctr9e ( endless puni%m5t4 ,speak+ ( ,engl&'s jeal\sy ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates 9 c]ta9 matt]s1 ,sew>d says3 ,t hesitation & refusal recall ,presid5t ,l9coln's /ory ( ! intrusion ( ! ,univ]sali/s into ! t[n ( ,spr+field4 ,! sev]al or?odox *ur*es agre$ t _! pa/ors %\ld prea* d[n ! h]esy4 ,"o ( !m began 8 disc\rse ) ^! emphatic words3 ',my ,bre?r51 !re is a dang]\s doctr9e creep+ 9 among u4 ,!re are ^? :o are tea*+ t all m5 w be sav$2 b my de> bre?r51 we hope = bett] ?+s' 7,travels ,ar\nd ! ,_w1 p4 #eac74 ,,judge ,,a>on ,,goodri*4 ,judge ,goodri*1 ( ,m9nesota1 ,l9coln's m9i/] to ,belgium1 :o 0 "o ( ! mo/ accompli%$ s*ol>s 9 ! ,we/1 & an au?or ( note1 & :o 0 on t]ms ( close intimacy ) ,l9coln1 bo? be=e & aft] he became ,presid5t1 says3 ,he ,l9coln believ$ 9 a ,god1 i4e41 ,nature2 b he did n believe 9 ! ,*ri/1 nor did he ev] affiliate ) any *ur*4 ,,fr$]ick ,,d\glas4 ,abraham ,l9coln believ$ 9 a ,supreme ,be+1 b he did n believe 9 ! ,god ( ,*ri/ians4 ,! ,god ( ,*ri/ians 0 to him ! mo/ hide\s mon/] t ! imag9ation ( man _h ev] conceiv$4 ,!re 7 two doctr9es taught 9 connection ) ?is deity :i* he especially abhorr$--! doctr9e ( endless puni%m5t1 & ! doctr9e ( vic>i\s atonem5t4 ,t ! innoc5t %\ld suff] = ! guilty--t ,god %\ld p]mit 8 s9less son to be put to a cruel dea? to atone = ! s9s ( wick$ m5--0 to him an act ( ! mo/ infam\s inju/ice4 ,8 :ole nature rebell$ aga9/ ! idea4 ,fr$]ick ,d\glas n>rates an incid5t :i*1 :ile x has no direct ref]5ce to ?is !ological doctr9e1 yet t5ds to disclose 8 abhorr5ce ( ! idea4 ,mr4 ,d\glas 0 engag$ 9 recruit+ color$ troops & visit$ ! ,presid5t = ! purpose ( secur+ f him a pl$ge t color$ soldi]s w\ld be all[$ ! same privileges accord$ :ite soldi]s4 ,z ! ,conf$]ate ,gov]nm5t _h decl>$ t !y w\ld be treat$ z insurg5ts1 he also urg$ ^u him ! necessity ( retaliat+1 if color$ prison]s 7 put to dea?4 ,b to ! latt] proposition ,l9coln w\ld n li/54 ,mr4 ,d\glas says3 ,i %all nev] =get ! b5ignant expression ( 8 face1 ! te>ful look ( 8 eye & ! quiv] ( 8 voice1 :5 he deprecat$ a resort to retaliatory measures4 ,he said he c\ld n take m5 out & kill !m 9 cold blood = :at 0 done by o!rs4 ,if he c\ld get hold ( ! p]sons :o 7 guilty ( kill+ ! color$ prison]s 9 cold blood1 ! case w\ld be diff]5t1 b he c\ld n kill ! innoc5t = ! guilty 7,rem9isc5ces ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #ahh1 #ahi74 ,,nicolay ,,& ,,hay',s ,,life ,,( ,,l9coln4 ,( ! num]\s biographies ( ,l9coln t h be5 publi%$1 ! au?ors ( ?ree1 above all o!rs1 7 specially qualifi$ & possess$ ! necess>y mat]ials = a reliable biography ( him--,h]ndon1 ,lamon1 & ,nicolay & ,hay4 ,z ,colonel ,lamon's ,life cov]s b a "p ( ,l9coln's c>e]1 & z ,mr4 ,h]ndon's ,life deals m ) 8 private life ?an ) 8 public hi/ory1 ! biography ( ,l9coln t is likely to be accept$ z ! /&>d au?ority1 is ! "w writt5 by 8 private secret>ies1 ,col4 ,john ,g4 ,nicolay & ,col4 ,john ,hay1 :i* orig9ally appe>$ 9 ! ,c5tury ,magaz9e4 ,9 ! *apt] on ,l9coln & ! ,*ur*es1 ! religi\s phase ( ,l9coln's "* is pres5t$4 ,9 deal+ ) ?is "q ! au?ors h c>efully avoid$ ! rock ^u :i* ,lamon's ,life 0 wreck$1 & at ! same "t h refra9$ f repeat+ ! misrepres5tations ( ,holl& & ,arnold4 ,!y d n (f5d ! *ur* by op5ly decl>+ t ,l9coln 0 an ,infidel2 nei!r d !y outrage tru? by ass]t+ t he 0 a ,*ri/ian4 ,!y affirm t dur+ ! latt] ye>s ( 8 life he recogniz$ a sup]ior p[]1 b !y d n intimate t he recogniz$ ,jesus ,*ri/ z ?is p[]1 or any "p ( x1 nor t he accept$ ! ,bible z a special revelation ( ?is p[]4 ,9 ! foll[+ passage !y impli$ly d5y bo? 8 alleg$ ,a!ism & 8 alleg$ or?odoxy3 ,we h no purpose ( attempt+ to =mulate 8 cre$2 we "q if he himself ev] did s4 ,!re h be5 swift witnesses :o1 judg+ f expressions utt]$ 9 8 call[ y\?1 h call$ him an ,a!i/1 & o!rs :o1 ) ! mo/ laudable int5tions1 h rememb]$ improbable conv]sations :i* !y br+ =w>d to prove at once 8 or?odoxy & _! own intimacy ) him4 ,z x is n claim$ t ,l9coln 0 an ,a!i/1 especially dur+ ! la/ ye>s ( 8 life1 ! above c v prop]ly be br\ght =w>d 9 support ( ! negative ( ?is "q4 ,9 ! la/ clause x is int5d$ by ! au?ors to adm9i/] a s>ca/ic rebuke to su* witnesses z ,brooks1 ,willets & ,v9ton1 z well z d5y ! tru?fulness ( _! /atem5ts4 ,9 reg>d to ,l9coln's y\?1 ! foll[+ f ,nicolay & ,hay's "w corroborates ,lamon's /atem5ts & refutes ^? ( ,holl&3 ,we are mak+ no claim ( e>ly sa9t%ip = him4 ,he 0 m]ely a good boy1 ) suffici5t wick$ness to prove 8 humanity4444 ,x is also report$ t he sometimes imp$$ ! cel]ity ( h>ve/ op]ations by mak+ burlesque spee*es1 or worse ?an t1 comic s]mons1 f ! top ( "s tempt+ /ump1 to ! delight ( ! hir$ h&s & ! exasp]ation ( ! f>m]4 ,,hon4 ,,w>r5 ,,*ase4 ,9 #ahhh1 ,i receiv$ a brief lett] f ,w>r5 ,*ase p]ta9+ to ,l9coln's religi\s belief4 ,mr4 ,*ase 0 acqua9t$ ) ,l9coln 9 ,wa%+ton4 ,8 lett] has be5 mislaid1 b ,i recall ! pr9cipal po9ts 9 x1 :i* are z foll[s3 #a4 ,l9coln 0 n a believ] 9 ,*ri/ianity2 #b4 ,he 0 mu* int]e/$ 9 ! ph5om5a ( ,spiritualism4 ,,hon4 ,a4 ,j4 ,,grov]4 ,a4 ,j4 ,grov]1 a life-long re=m]1 an old-"t ,abolitioni/1 an able advocate ( human lib]ty1 & a p]sonal fri5d & admir] ( ,l9coln1 9 a lett] writt5 ,april #ac1 #ahhh1 s5ds me ! foll[+ z 8 te/imony3 ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 n a religi\s man 9 ! *ur* s5se4 ,he 0 an ,agno/ic4 ,he did n believe 9 ! ,bible z ! infallible ^w ( ,god4 ,he believ$ t ,nature is ,god's ^w1 giv5 to all m5 9 a univ]sal language :i* is equally accessible to all1 if all are equally intellig5t4 ,t ?is great lesson1 ,god's ^w 9 8 works1 is inf9ite1 & t m5 h only le>n$ a v little ( x1 & h yet ! mo/ to le>n4 ,t ! religions ( all ages & peoples are only v feeble & imp]fect attempts to solve ! great problems involv$ 9 nature & h] laws4 ,mr4 ,l9coln he>tily dislik$ ! n>r[ & silly pret5sions ( ! *ur* & prie/hood :o n[ falsely claim him1 z !y d ,wa%+ton1 ,frankl9 & o!rs4 ,i knew ,mr4 ,l9coln f ! ,d\glas campaign 9 ,ill9ois 9 #aheh until 8 dea?1 & ,i nev] he>d him on any occasion use a s+le pi\s expression 9 ! s5se ( ! *ur*--n a ^w t indicat$ t he believ$ 9 ! *ur* !ology4 ,b ,i h he>d him use _m expressions t indicat$ t he did n "k mu*1 or pret5d to "k mu*1 & _h no settl$ convictions conc]n+ ! great que/ions t !ology deals s flippantly )1 & pret5ds to "k all ab\t4 ,& ,i "k to my own k t ! claim ! *ur* n[ sets up t he 0 a ,*ri/ian is false--z false z x is 9 reg>d to ,wa%+ton4 ,writ+ to me aga9 "u date ( ,jan4 #ab1 #ahhi1 ,mr4 ,grov] says3 ,i knew ,mr4 ,l9coln 9 ,ill9ois & 9 ,wa%+ton4 ,i 0 9 ! ,w> (fice1 = a "t1 9 a dep>tm5t :i* _h *>ge ( ! ,presid5t's books1 s-call$4 ,i met him 9 pass+ betwe5 ! ,:ite ,h\se & ! build+s !n occupi$ by ! ,w> ,dep>tm5t1 almo/ e day4 ,i (t5 _h to g to ,mr4 ,/anton's (fice1 & h (t5 se5 ,mr4 ,l9coln !re4 ,i frequ5tly _h to g to ! ,:ite ,h\se to see him4 ,x 0 kn[n to all ( 8 acqua9tances t he 0 a ,lib]al or nationali/4 ,,judge ,,james ,m4 ,,nelson4 ,! la/1 & 9 "s respects ! mo/ important1 ( our ,wa%+ton witnesses is ,judge ,james ,m4 ,nelson4 ,judge ,nelson = _m ye>s has be5 a resid5t ( ,new ,york1 b he =m]ly liv$ 9 ,k5tucky & ,ill9ois1 ,l9coln's native & adopt$ /ates4 ,he is a son ( ,?omas ,pope ,nelson1 a di/+ui%$ memb] ( ,congress f ,k5tucky1 & ! fir/ ,unit$ ,/ates ,m9i/] to ,turkey4 ,8 great gr&fa!r 0 ,?omas ,nelson1 ,jr41 a sign] ( ! ,decl>ation ( ,indep5d5ce f ,virg9ia4 ,he 0 long & intimately acqua9t$ ) ,l9coln bo? 9 ,ill9ois & ,wa%+ton4 ,ab\t ! close ( #ahhf1 or e>ly 9 #ahhg1 ,judge ,nelson publi%$ 8 ,rem9isc5ces ( ,abraham ,l9coln 9 ! ,l\isville1 ,ky41 ,times4 ,9 ref]5ce to ,l9coln's religi\s op9ions he says3 ,9 religion1 ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 ab\t ( ! same belief z ,bob ,+]soll1 & !re is no acc\nt ( 8 ev] hav+ *ang$4 ,he w5t to *ur* a few times ) 8 family :ile he 0 ,presid5t1 b s f> z ,i h be5 able to f9d out he rema9$ an unbeliev]4 ,mr4 ,l9coln 9 8 y\ng] days wrote a book1 says ,judge ,nelson1 9 :i* he endeavor$ to prove ! fallacy ( ! plan ( salvation & ! div9ity ( ,*ri/4 ,i h yet ano!r passage f ,judge ,nelson's ,rem9isc5ces to pres5t1 a passage :i*1 m ?an any?+ else 9 ?is volume1 p]haps1 is calculat$ to provoke ! wra? ( ,*ri/ian claimants4 ,to l5d an air ( plausibility to _! claims ^! claimants are cont9ually cit+ expressions ( a seem+ly semi-pi\s "* occasionally to be met ) 9 8 spee*es & /ate pap]s4 ,^! expressions1 9 a measure acc\nt$ = by ,mr4 ,h]ndon1 ,colonel ,lamon1 & o!rs1 are /ill fur!r expla9$ by a revelation f 8 own lips4 ,judge ,nelson says3 ,i ask$ him once ab\t 8 f]v5t ,?anksgiv+ ,message & twitt$ him ) be+ an unbeliev] 9 :at 0 publi%$4 ',oh1' said he1 't is "s ( ,sew>d's nons5se1 & x pleases ! fools4' ,,*apt] ,,xiii4 ,,o!r ,,te/imony ,,& ,,op9ions ,new ,york ,_w--,bo/on ,globe--,*icago ,h]ald--,man=d's ,magaz9e--,h]ald & ,review--,*amb]s's ,encyclop$ia-- ,encyclop$ia ,britannica--,p's ,libr>y ( ,in=mation-- ,! ,_w's ,sages--,e-,day ,life ( ,l9coln--,hon4 ,jesse ,w4 ,weik--,*as4 ,w4 ,fr5*--,cyrus ,o4 ,poole--,a ,citiz5 ( ,spr+field--,h5ry ,walk]--,w94 ,bissett--,fr$]ick ,hea?-- ,rev4 ,edw>d ,eggle/on--,rev4 ,rob]t ,colly]--,all5 ,?orndike ,rice--,rob]t ,c4 ,adams--,!odore ,/anton-,geo4 ,m4 ,mc,crie--,g54 ,m4 ,m4 ,trumbull--,rev4 ,david ,sw+1 ,d4,d4--,rev4 ,j4 ,lloyd ,jones-- ,rev4 ,john ,w4 ,*adwick4 ,! matt] select$ = ?is *apt] is ( a miscellane\s nature1 consi/+ ( ! /atem5ts ( ^? :o1 = ! mo/ "p1 are n kn[n to h be5 p]sonally acqua9t$ ) ,l9coln4 ,x embraces ! op9ions ( j\rnali/s1 encyclop$i/s1 biograph]s1 & o!rs4 ,if _! words _c be accept$ z ! te/imony ( compet5t witnesses1 !y may at lea/ be reg>d$ z ! v]dict ( hone/ jurors4 ,,new ,,york ,,_w4 ,9 ! ,new ,york ,_w1 fifte5 ye>s ago1 appe>$ ! foll[+3 ,:ile x may fairly be said t ,mr4 ,l9coln ent]ta9$ _m ,*ri/ian s5tim5ts1 x _c be said t he 0 himself a ,*ri/ian 9 fai? or practice4 ,he 0 no disciple ( ,jesus ( ,naz>e?4 ,he did n believe 9 8 div9ity & 0 n a memb] ( 8 *ur*4 ,he 0 at fir/ a writ+ ,infidel ( ! s*ool ( ,pa9e & ,volney1 & aft]w>d a talk+ ,infidel ( ! s*ool ( ,p>k] & ,*ann+4 ,allud+ to ! fri5dly attitude he assum$ t[>d ! *ur* & ,*ri/ianity dur+ ! w>1 ?is article concludes3 ,if ! *ur*es _h gr[n cold--if ! ,*ri/ians _h tak5 a /& alo(--t in/ant ! ,union w\ld h p]i%$2 ,mr4 ,l9coln regulat$ 8 religi\s manife/ations accord+ly4 ,he decl>$ frequ5tly t he w\ld d any?+ to save ! ,union1 & among ! _m ?+s he did 0 ! p>tial concealm5t ( 8 individual religi\s op9ions4 ,is ?is a blot ^u 8 fame8 ,or %all we all agree t x 0 a consci5ti\s & patriotic sacrifice8 ,,bo/on ,,globe4 ,z evid5ce ( ,l9coln's piety1 we are ref]r$ to a picture :]e ,l9coln1 ) 8 son ,tad1 is suppos$ to be rev]5tially por+ ov] ! pages ( ! ,bible4 ,! hi/ory ( ?is picture1 h[ev]1 has (t5 be5 expla9$1 & its app>5tly religi\s "* %[n to be q secul>4 ,! ,bo/on ,globe1 9 a rec5t issue1 says3 ,! pretty little /ory ab\t ! picture ( ,presid5t ,l9coln & 8 son ,tad read+ ! ,bible is n[ correct$ = ! "o-hundr$? "t4 ,! ,bible 0 ,photograph] ,brady's picture album1 :i* ! ,presid5t 0 exam9+ ) 8 son :ile "s ladies /ood by4 ,! arti/ begg$ ! ,presid5t to rema9 quiet & ! picture 0 tak54 ,! tru? is bett] ?an fiction1 ev5 if its recital conflicts ) a pleas+ !ory4 ,,*icago ,,h]ald4 ,dur+ ,febru>y1 #ahib1 ! ,*icago ,h]ald publi%$ an editorial on ,l9coln's religion4 ,be+ "o ( ! late/ contributions to ?is subject1 & appe>+ 9 "o ( ! pr9cipal j\rnals ( ,l9coln's own /ate1 x is ( especial importance4 ,x is a c&id /atem5t ( :at ne>ly e j\rnali/ ( ,ill9ois kn[s or believes to be ! facts4 ,f x ,i quote z foll[s3 ,he 0 )\t fai? 9 ! ,bible or its tea*+s4 ,on ?is po9t ! te/imony is s ov]:elm+ t !re is no basis = d\bt4 ,9 8 e>ly life ,l9coln exhibit$ a p[]ful t5d5cy to aggressive ,infidelity4 ,b :5 he grew to be a politician he became secretive & non-committal 9 8 religi\s belief4 ,he 0 %rewd en\gh to realize ! necessity ( retic5ce ) ! convictions he possess$ if he hop$ to succe$ 9 politics4 ,x is matt] ( hi/ory t 9 #ahcd1 at ,new ,salem1 ,ill41 ,l9coln read & circulat$ ,volney's ',ru9s' & ,pa9e's ',age ( ,reason1' giv+ to bo? books ! s9c]e recomm5dation ( 8 unqualifi$ approval4 ,ab\t t "t or a little lat] he wrote an ext5sive argum5t aga9/ ,*ri/ianity1 int5d+ to publi% x4 ,9 ?is argum5t he cont5d$ t ! ,bible 0 n inspir$ & t ,jesus ,*ri/ 0 n ! son ( ,god4 ,he read ?is compilation ( 8 views to num]\s fri5ds1 & on "o occasion :5 s engag$ 8 fri5d & employ]1 ,samuel ,hill1 snat*$ ! manuscript f ! au?or's h&s & ?rew x into ! /ove1 :]e x 0 quickly consum$4 ,a ,spr+field fri5d said ( him 9 #ahch1 ',l9coln 0 en?usia/ic 9 8 ,infidelity4' ,john ,t4 ,/u>t1 :o 0 8 fir/ law p>tn]1 decl>es3 ',l9coln 0 an av[$ & op5 ,infidel4 ,he w5t fur!r aga9/ ,*ri/ian belief ?an any man ,i ev] he>d4 ,he always d5i$ t ,jesus 0 ! ,*ri/ ( ,god4' ,david ,davis /at$ t ',l9coln _h absolutely no fai? 9 ! ,*ri/ian s5se ( ! t]m4' ,^! au?orities ought to be conclusive1 b !re is fur!r te/imony4 ,?is latt] is important z explanatory ( ,l9coln's frequ5t allusions 9 8 ,presid5tial messages & proclamations to ! ,supreme ,be+4 ,to ! simplicity ( 8 nature !re 0 add$ a poetic temp]am5t4 ,he 0 fond ( effective imag]y1 & 8 ref]5ces to ! ,deity are due to ! in/9ct ( ! poet4 ,aft] 8 dea? ,mrs4 ,l9coln said3 ',mr4 ,l9coln _h no fai? & no hope 9 ! usual acceptation ( ^? words4 ,he nev] jo9$ a *ur*4' ,%e d5om9ates :at has be5 mi/ak5 = 8 expressions ( religi\s s5tim5t z 'a k9d ( poetry 9 8 nature1' add+ 'he 0 nev] a ,*ri/ian4' ,h]ndon1 :o 0 8 late/ law p>tn] & biograph]1 is ev5 m explicit4 ,he says3 ',no man _h a /rong] or firm] fai? 9 ,provid5ce--,god--?an ,mr4 ,l9coln1 b ! cont9u$ use by him late 9 life ( ! ^w ,god mu/ n be int]pret$ to mean t he believ$ 9 a p]sonal ,god4 ,9 #ahed he ask$ me to erase ! ^w ',god' f a spee* :i* ,i _h writt5 & read to him = criticism1 because my language indicat$ a p]sonal ,god1 :]eas he insi/$ no su* p]sonality ev] exi/$4' ,s x mu/ be accept$ z f9al by e reasonable m9d t 9 religion ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 a skeptic4 ,b above all ?+s he 0 n a hypocrite or pret5d]4 ,he 0 a pla9 man1 rugg$ & e>ne/1 & he pret5d$ to be no?+ m4 ,he believ$ 9 humanity1 & he 0 incapable ( ,ph>iseeism4 ,he _h great respect = ! feel+s & convictions ( o!rs1 b he 0 n a snivel]4 ,he 0 hone/ & he 0 s9c]e1 & tak+ him simply = :at he 01 we are n likely soon to see 8 l aga94 ,,man=d',s ,,magaz9e4 ,!re are two ,*ri/ian publications t h _h ! fairness to admit ! tru? respect+ ,l9coln's belief4 ,man=d's ,magaz9e1 a religi\s p]iodical publi%$ 9 ,*icago1 9 its issue = ,janu>y1 #ahfi1 conta9$ ! foll[+3 ,t ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 a believ] 9 ! ,*ri/ian religion1 z und]/ood by ! s-call$ or?odox sects ( ! day1 ,i am compell$ mo/ emphatically to d5y2 t is1 if ,i put fai? 9 ! /atem5ts ( 8 mo/ intimate fri5ds 9 ?is city ,spr+field4 ,all ( !m ) :om ,i h conv]s$ on ?is subject1 agree 9 indors+ ! /atem5ts ( ,mr4 ,h]ndon4 ,inde$1 _m ( !m unres]v$ly call him an ,infidel4 ,! evid5ce on ?is subject is suffici5t1 ! writ] says1 to place ! "n ( ,l9coln by ! side ( ,frankl91 ,wa%+ton1 ,jeff]son1 & ,e?an ,all51 ( ,revolution>y notoriety1 z ,rationali/s2 besides be+ 9 company ) ,d',alemb]t1 ! great ma!matician1 ,did]ot1 ! geometrician1 poet1 & metaphysician2 also ) ,voltaire1 ,hume1 ,gibbon1 & ,d>w94 ,ref]r+ to ! ,infidel book1 writt5 by ,l9coln1 ! writ] says3 ,?is "w 0 subsequ5tly ?r[n 9 ,mr4 ,l9coln's face :ile he 0 /ump+ ?is di/rict = ,congress aga9/ ! celebrat$ ,me?odi/ prea*]1 ,rev4 ,pet] ,c>twright4 ,b ,mr4 ,l9coln nev] publicly or privately d5i$ its au?or%ip1 or ! s5tim5ts express$ !re94 ,nor 0 he kn[n to *ange 8 religi\s views any1 to ! late/ p]iod ( 8 life4 ,! article concludes ) ^! tru?ful words3 ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 too good a man to be a ,ph>isee2 too great a man to be a sect>ian2 & too *>itable a man to be a bigot4 ,,h]ald ,,& ,,review4 ,?is "w1 9 an abridg$ =m1 orig9ally appe>$ 9 ! ,tru? ,seek] 9 #ahhi & #ahij4 ,aft] its appe>ance1 ! ,adv5ti/ ,h]ald & ,review1 "o ( ! faire/ & mo/ ably conduct$ religi\s j\rnals 9 ?is c\ntry1 said3 ,! ,tru? ,seek] has j conclud$ ! publication ( a s]ies ( fifte5 contribut$ articles design$ to prove t ,abraham ,l9coln1 in/ead ( be+ a ,*ri/ian1 z has be5 mo/ /rongly claim$ by "s1 0 a ,free?9k]4 ,! te/imony seems conclusive4444 ,! majority ( ! great m5 ( ! _w h always reject$ ,*ri/1 &1 accord+ to ! ,scriptures1 !y always w2 & ! ef=ts ( ,*ri/ians to make x appe> t c]ta9 great m5 :o nev] pr(ess$ ,*ri/ianity 7 9 reality ,*ri/ians1 is simply say+ t ,*ri/ianity _c /& on its m]its1 b mu/ h ! support ( great names to entitle x to favorable consid]ation4 ,,*amb]s',s ,,encyclop$ia4 ,ald5's ,am]ican ,edition ( ,*amb]s's ,encyclop$ia1 "o ( ! mo/ popul> z well z "o ( ! mo/ reliable ( encyclop$ias1 says3 ,he ,l9coln 0 nev] a memb] ( a *ur*2 he is believ$ to h _h philosophical d\bts ( ! div9ity ( ,*ri/1 & ( ! inspiration ( ! ,scriptures1 z ^! are commonly /at$ 9 ! sy/em ( doctr9es call$ evangelical4 ,9 e>ly life he read ,volney & ,pa9e1 & wrote an essay 9 :i* he agre$ ) _! conclusions4 ,( mod]n ?9k]s he 0 ?\ght to agree ne>e/ ) ,!odore ,p>k] 7,art4 ,l9coln1 ,abraham74 ,,encyclop$ia ,,britannica4 ,by :om ! article on ,l9coln 9 ,*amb]s's ,encyclop$ia 0 writt51 :e!r by "o ( ,l9coln's p]sonal fri5ds1 or by a /rang]1 ,i "k n4 ,! article 9 ! ,britannica 0 writt5 by 8 private secret>y1 ,colonel ,nicolay4 ,9 ?is article 8 religion is briefly summ$ up 9 ! foll[+ words3 ,8 ,l9coln's nature 0 deeply religi\s1 b he belong$ to no d5om9ation2 he _h fai? 9 ! et]nal ju/ice & b\ndless m]cy ( ,provid5ce2 & made ! ,gold5 ,rule ( ,*ri/ 8 practical cre$ 7,am4 ,ed41 vol4 xiv1 p4 #ffi74 ,?is /atem5t at fir/ glance pres5ts a ,*ri/ian appe>ance1 & ! read] is liable to inf] t ! writ] aims to /ate t ,l9coln 0 a ,*ri/ian4 ,b he does n4 ,he aims to /ate 9 ! lea/ (f5sive mann] possible t he 0 n--t he 0 simply a ,dei/4 ,a p]son may h a deeply religi\s nature1 & n be a ,*ri/ian4 ,he may h fai? 9 ! et]nal ju/ice & b\ndless m]cy ( ,provid5ce1 & yet h no fai? :atev] 9 ,*ri/ianity4 ,he may make ! ,gold5 ,rule ( ,*ri/ or ,confucius 8 practical cre$1 & at ! same "t :olly reject ! dogma ( ,*ri/'s div9ity4 ,! above /atem5t is sub/antially true z appli$ to ,l9coln1 & x w\ld be equally true if appli$ to t pr9ce ( ,infidels1 ,?omas ,pa9e4 ,8 nature 0 deeply religi\s2 he _h fai? 9 ! ju/ice & m]cy ( ,provid5ce2 & he1 too1 made ! ,gold5 ,rule 8 practical cre$4 ,,p',s ,,libr>y ,,( ,,in=mation4 ,mrs4 ,l9coln 0 nom9ally a ,presbyt]ian1 & frequ5tly1 ?\gh n regul>ly1 att5d$ ! ,rev4 ,dr4 ,gurley's *ur* 9 ,wa%+ton4 ,l9coln usually accompani$ h]1 n because he d]iv$ any pleasure or b5efit f ! s]vices1 b because he believ$ x to be a duty he ow$ to 8 wife :o1 9 turn1 g5]ally accompani$ him :5 he w5t to 8 *ur*1 ! !at]4 ,! ,p's ,libr>y ( ,in=mation conta9s ! foll[+ relative to 8 *ur* att5dance3 ,l9coln att5d$ s]vice once a day4 ,he seem$ always to be 9 agony :ile 9 *ur*4444 ,8 pa/or1 ,dr4 ,gurley1 _h ! 'gift ( cont9uance1' & ! ,presid5t wri!d & squirm$ & gave unmi/akable evid5ce ( ! torture he endur$4 ,,! ,,_w',s ,,sages4 ,9 ,! ,_w's ,sages1 ,mr4 ,b5nett writes z foll[s conc]n+ ,l9coln's belief3 ,^u ! subject ( religi\s belief !re is "s div]sity ( claims4 ,all 8 fri5ds & acqua9tances readily admit t 9 e>ly manhood & middle age he 0 an unbeliev]1 or a ,dei/4 ,9 fact1 he wrote a book or pamphlet v9dicat+ ?is view4 ,8 mo/ intimate fri5ds t knew him be/1 claim t 8 op9ions und]w5t no *ange 9 ?is respect2 :ile a c]ta9 numb] ( ,*ri/ians h1 s9ce 8 dea?1 und]tak5 to make out t he _h become a conv]t to ,*ri/ianity 7,_w's ,sages1 p4 #ggc74 ,:5 ! contradictory "* ( ! evid5ce is tak5 into consid]ation1 toge!r ) ! fact t 8 ne>e/ & mo/ intimate fri5ds w\ld be mo/ likely ! ones to "k ( ,mr4 ,l9coln's *ange1 _h any su* tak5 place1 ! incr$ibility ( ! ass]t$ *ange is easily appreciat$ 7,ibid1 p-#ggd74 ,,! ,,e-,,day ,,life ,,( ,,l9coln4 ,9 ! ,emancipation ,proclamation appe>s ! foll[+ p>agraph1 :i* conta9s ! only allusion to ,deity to be f\nd 9 ?is immortal docum5t3 ,& ^u ?is act1 s9c]ely believ$ to be an act ( ju/ice1 w>rant$ by ! ,con/itution1 ^u milit>y necessity1 ,i invoke ! consid]ate judgm5t ( mank9d & ! graci\s favor ( ,almighty ,god4 ,! appe>ance ( ! above p>agraph 9 ! ,proclamation is ?us acc\nt$ = 9 ,francis ,f4 ,br[n's ,e-,day ,life ( ,l9coln1 & agrees ) ,judge ,u%]'s & ,*ief ,ju/ice ,*ase's acc\nt ( x3 ,x is /at$ t ,mr4 ,l9coln gave ! mo/ e>ne/ /udy to ! composition ( ! ,emancipation ,proclamation4 ,he realiz$1 z he aft]w>d said1 t ! ,proclamation 0 ! c5tral act ( 8 adm9i/ration1 & ! great ev5t ( ! ,n9ete5? ,c5tury4 ,:5 ! docum5t 0 complet$1 a pr9t$ copy ( x 0 plac$ 9 ! h&s ( ea* memb] ( ! ,cab9et1 & criticisms & sugge/ions 7 invit$4 ,mr4 ,*ase rem>k$3 ',?is pap] is ( ! utmo/ importance1 great] ?an any /ate pap] ev] made by ?is ,gov]nm5t4 ,a pap] ( s mu* importance1 & involv+ ! lib]ties ( s _m p1 ought1 ,i ?9k1 to make "s ref]5ce to ,deity4 ,i d n obs]ve any?+ ( ! k9d 9 x 7,e-,day ,life ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #edi1eej74 ,! am5dm5t sugge/$ 0 all[$ by ! ,presid5t1 & ,mr4 ,*ase reque/$ to supply ! words he desir$ to be ins]t$4 ,! p>agraph quot$ 0 accord+ly prep>$ by him & includ$ 9 ! ,proclamation4 ,?is fact is also admitt$ by ,holl& 9 8 ,life ( ,l9coln 7p4 #dja74 ,,hon4 ,,jesse ,w4 ,,weik4 ,judge ,weik1 ( ,gre5ca/le1 ,ind41 :o 0 associat$ ) ,mr4 ,h]ndon 9 ! prep>ation ( 8 ,life ( ,l9coln1 9 a lecture on ,l9coln's ,boyhood & ,e>ly ,manhood1 deliv]$ 9 ,plym\? ,*ur*1 ,indianapolis1 ,feb4 #d1 #ahia4 said3 ,z a "y man he sat back ( ! c\ntry /ore /ove & said ! ,bible 0 n inspir$1 & ,*ri/ 0 n ! ,son ( ,god 7,indianapolis ,news1 ,feb4 #e1 '#ia74 ,,*>les ,,wallace ,,fr5*4 ,"o ( ! la/ biographies ( ,l9coln t has appe>$ is ,abraham ,l9coln ,! ,lib]ator1 writt5 by ,*>les ,w4 ,fr5*4 ,aft] cit+ ) approval "s ( ,mr4 ,h]ndon's /atem5ts reg>d+ ,l9coln's belief1 ,mr4 ,fr5* says3 ,! _w 0 8 ,l9coln's *ur*4 ,8 s]mons 7 prea*$ 9 k9dly words & m]ciful de$s 7p4 #ia74 ,,cyrus ,o4 ,,poole4 ,i quote next f a monograph on ,! ,religi\s ,convictions ( ,abraham ,l9coln1 writt5 by ,cyrus ,o4 ,poole4 ,ref]r+ to ,arnold's & ,holl&'s biographies ( ,l9coln1 ,mr4 ,poole says3 ,mo/ sect>ians n[ ?9k1 write1 & act z if !y _h a copyright to apply ',*ri/ian' to ev]y?+ good & ,god-l ab\t ?is ,presid5t2 yet no "o presum$ to call him a ,*ri/ian until aft] 8 dea?4 ,x may be a s\l-sav+ process l ! anci5t "o ( ,pope ,gregory 9 ! six? c5tury4 ,x is relat$ t "o day he 0 m$itat+ on an anecdote ( ! ,pagan ,emp]or ,tragan's hav+ turn$ back1 :5 at ! head ( 8 legions on 8 way to battle1 to r5d] ju/ice to a poor wid[ :o flung h]self at 8 horse's feet4 ,x seem$ to ,gregory t ! s\l ( a pr9ce s good c\ld n be =ev] lo/1 ,pagan ?\gh he 02 & he pray$ = him1 till a voice decl>$ ,tragan to h be5 sav$ ?r\gh 8 int]cession4 ,& ?us1 ?r\gh ! pray] ( a ,*ri/ian ,pope1 a pagan ( ! fir/1 0 mat]ializ$ into a ,*ri/ian 9 ! six? c5tury1 & 01 ( c\rse1 transf]r$ f hell to heav54 ,n[ behold h[ a mod]n politician ,arnold c play !ologian 9 ,*ri/ianiz+ ,abraham ,l9coln4 ,!re is n[ hope = ,b5jam9 ,frankl91 ,john ,adams1 & ,?omas ,jeff]son1 z well z ! *iefta9s1 ,r$ ,jacket1 ,tecumseh1 & ,black ,hawk4 ,respect+ ,l9coln's message to 8 dy+ fa!r1 ,mr4 ,poole1 himself a firm believ] 9 ! doctr9e ( immortality1 says3 ,?is prophetic affirmation ( a cont9u$ exi/5ce1 is ! only writt5 evid5ce ( 8 views on ?is mom5t\s "q t c be f\nd4 ,9 addition to ! above1 ,i cull f ! same "w ! foll[+ brief extracts3 ,he liv$ 9 a rem>kably =mative & progressive p]iod1 & 0 9 all matt]s fully abrea/ ) 8 "t4 ,z a tru?ful ?9k]1 he greatly excell$ any ( ! /atesm5 ( 8 day4 ,l9coln1 l ,socrates1 0 a man s natural1 s ?\ghtful1 rational1 & sagaci\s1 t he cle>ly saw t ! popul> traditional !ology ( 8 day & age 0 n religion4 ,a ,,citiz5 ,,( ,,spr+field4 ,a g5tleman resid+ 9 ,spr+field1 ,ill41 :o 0 intimately acqua9t$ ) ,l9coln f ! "t he locat$ 9 t city up to ! "t he remov$ to ,wa%+ton1 a p]iod ( ne>ly tw5ty-five ye>s1 9 a lett] dat$ ,aug4 #bj1 #ahhg1 writes z foll[s3 ,i w say 9 reg>d to ,mr4 ,l9coln's religi\s views t he 0 n or?odox 9 8 belief1 unless he *ang$ aft] he left ,spr+field4 ,he 0 het]odox--did n believe 9 ! div9ity ( ,*ri/--9 %ort1 0 a ,free?9k]4 ,n[ ,i d n want to be br\ght into public notice 9 ?is matt]4 ,9 def]5ce to ?is writ]'s reque/ 8 "n is omitt$1 & ?is omission de/roys1 to a great ext5t1 ! value ( 8 te/imony4 ,x is ins]t$ n because x adds any p>ticul> weight to ! evid5ce already adduc$1 b z a specim5 ( a v l>ge am\nt ( evid5ce ( ! same "* t mu/ be )held simply because ! p]sons writ+ or int]view$ %r9k f publicity4 ,a *apt]1 yes1 a volume1 ( ?is anonym\s te/imony might be giv54 ,at lea/ a hundr$ p]sonal fri5ds ( ,l9coln1 liv+ 9 & ab\t ,spr+field1 privately & confid5tially ass]t t he 0 an ,infidel1 b w n p]mit _! names to be us$4 ,tw5ty ye>s ago a majority ( !m w\ld n h object$ to _! /atem5ts be+ publi%$3 b ! rel5tless w> wag$ by ! *ur* aga9/ ^? :o h publicly c]tifi$ to ! facts has seal$ _! lips4 ,,h5ry ,,walk]4 ,i n[ pres5t to ! read] ano!r citiz5 ( ,spr+field1 "o :o is n afraid to publicly express an hone/ op9ion4 ,mr4 ,h5ry ,walk]1 :o has resid$ 9 t city = _m ye>s1 writes z foll[s conc]n+ ,l9coln's religi\s belief3 ,aft] inquir+ ( ^? :o 7 intimate & famili> ) him1 ,i arrive at ! conclusion t he 0 a ,dei/4 ,!re is a rumor curr5t "h t he once wrote an anti-,*ri/ian pamphlet1 b 8 fri5ds p]suad$ him n to publi% x4 ,mr4 ,walk] 0 n p]sonally acqua9t$ ) ,l9coln4 ,8 conclusion is simply bas$ ^u ! in=mation obta9$ f ^? :o 7 acqua9t$ ) him4 ,8 /atem5t1 l ! prec$+ "o1 is introduc$ n s mu* because ( any especial value atta*+ to x z m]e te/imony1 b because x fairly repres5ts ! common s5tim5t ( ^? :o h inve/igat$ ?is subject1 & p>ticul>ly ^? :o are on famili> t]ms ) ,l9coln's old associates 9 ,ill9ois4 ,! k ( our anonym\s witness 0 %>$ by ,dr4 ,smi?1 ,mr4 ,arnold1 & ,mr4 ,edw>ds2 ! op9ion express$ by ,mr4 ,walk] 0 ! op9ion privately ent]ta9$ by ,dr4 ,holl&1 x is ! op9ion privately ent]ta9$ by ,mr4 ,bateman1 yes1 & unque/ionably ! op9ion privately ent]ta9$ by ,mr4 ,re$ himself4 ,,william ,,bissett4 ,an article on ,l9coln's religion writt5 by ,mr4 ,wm4 ,bissett1 ( ,santa ,ana1 ,cal41 & rec5tly publi%$ 9 ! ,tru? ,seek]1 conta9s "s evid5ce t des]ves to be record$4 ,mr4 ,bissett n>rates ! foll[+3 ,9 ! ,spr+ ( #ahei we mov$ into ,liv+/on c\nty1 ,mo41 ne> ,*illico!4 ,we at once became acqua9t$ ) a man by ! "n ( ,william ,jeet]4 ,mr4 ,jeet] 0 a native ( ,k5tucky1 & if ,i mi/ake n1 0 born & rais$ 9 ! same "p ( ! c\ntry t ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 b ab\t t ,i am n sure4 ,mr4 ,jeet] told me t ,l9coln & himself settl$ 9 ,ill9ois :5 !y 7 "y m51 & bo>d$ toge!r = a numb] ( ye>s4 ,he says he knew e act ( ,l9coln's life up to ! "t he 7,jeet]7 left ,ill9ois1 a few ye>s be=e ,mr4 ,l9coln's nom9ation = ! ,presid5cy4 ,i 0 help+ ,jeet] build a h\se = himself :5 we receiv$ ! news ( ,mr4 ,l9coln's nom9ation2 t is :y we came to speak s p>ticul>ly ab\t him4 ,mr4 ,jeet] told me t ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 n a believ] 9 ! ,*ri/ian religion2 t is1 he did n believe ! ,bible 0 an inspir$ "w1 nor t ,jesus ,*ri/ 0 ! son ( ,god4 ',nev]!less1' said ,mr4 ,jeet]1' he 0 "o ( ! mo/ hone/ m5 ,i ev] knew4 ,if ,i _h a million doll>s ,i w\ldn't be afraid to tru/ x to ,l9coln )\t ! scrat* ( a p51 ,i "k ! man s well4' ,mr4 ,jeet] 0 a /rong believ] 9 ! ,*ri/ian religion & a mem-bi] ( ! ,cumb]l& ,presbyt]ian *ur*1 & a v f9e & reliable man4 ,,fr$]ick ,,hea?4 ,! foll[+ is f an article on ,l9coln by ,mr4 ,fr$]ick ,hea?1 ( ,milwaukee1 ,wis43 ,two ye>s ago ,i 0 associat$ ) ,major ,geo4 ,h4 ,norris1 a weal?y orange-gr[] ( ,florida1 9 t /ate1 & 0 9 a degree 8 confidant4 ,9 e>li] ye>s1 :ile a lawy] 9 ,ill9ois1 ,major ,norris 7he 0 at "o "t mayor ( ,ottawa1 ,ill47 0 q closely associat$ ) ,mr4 ,l9coln1 & he gave me to und]/& t ,mr4 ,l9coln 0 an extreme skeptic4 ,!y 7 ?r[n toge!r a good deal at ,spr+field1 :]e !y 7 try+ cases be=e ! supreme c\rt4 ,l9coln w\ld frequ5tly keep !m f sleep by 8 /ories & argum5ts1 & frequ5tly spoke ( religi\s matt]s 9 a way t %[$ he 0 conv9c$ ( ! delusion ( fai?4 ,i wi% ,i c\ld quote ! ,major's words z to ,l9coln's rem>ks on religion1 b w n v5ture to frame !m1 z ?is is a subject t dem&s tru? & exactness4 ,,rev4 ,,edw>d ,,eggle/on4 ,:5 ,l9coln w5t to ,new ,york 9 ! w9t] ( #ahfj1 to deliv] 8 ,coop] ,in/itute address1 he _h occasion to rema9 ov] ,sunday 9 t city4 ,at ! sugge/ion ( a fri5d1 he visit$ ! fam\s ,five ,po9ts1 & att5d$ a ,sunday-s*ool :]e ! spawn ( ,new ,york's wor/ inhabitants to ! numb] ( sev]al hundr$ 7 assembl$4 ,importun$ = a spee*1 he made a few rem>ks to ! *ildr51 & ! fact 0 publi%$ 9 ! pap]s4 ,! idea ( ?is ,infidel politician address+ a ,sunday-s*ool 0 s ludicr\s t x caus$ mu* m]rim5t among 8 fri5ds at ,spr+field4 ,:5 he return$ home "o ( !m1 probably ,colonel ,ma!ny1 call$ on him to le>n :at x all meant4 ,! conv]sation t foll[$1 includ+ ,l9coln's explanation ( ! affair1 is ?us relat$ by ! not$ prea*] & au?or1 ,edw>d ,eggle/on3 ,he />t$ = ',old ,abe's' (fice2 b bur/+ op5 ! door impulsively1 f\nd a /rang] 9 conv]sation ) ,mr4 ,l9coln4 ,he turn$ to retrace 8 /eps1 :5 ,l9coln call$ out1 ',jim6 ,:at d y want8' ',no?+4' ',yes1 y d2 come back4' ,aft] "s entreaty ,jim approa*$ ,mr4 ,l9coln1 & rem>k$1 ) a tw9kle 9 8 eye1 ',well1 ,abe1 ,i see y h be5 mak+ a spee* to ,sunday-s*ool *ildr54 ,:at's ! matt]8' ',sit d[n1 ,jim1 & ,i'll tell y all ab\t x4' ,& ) t ,l9coln put 8 feet on ! /ove & began3 ',:5 ,sunday morn+ came1 ,i didn't "k exactly :at to d4 ,wa%burne ask$ me :]e ,i 0 go+4 ,i told him ,i _h n[h]e to g2 & he propos$ to take me d[n to ! ,five ,po9ts ,sunday-s*ool1 to %[ me some?+ wor? see+4 ,i 0 v mu* int]e/$ by :at ,i saw4 ,pres5tly1 ,mr4 ,pease came up & spoke to ,mr4 ,wa%burne1 :o introduc$ me4 ,mr4 ,pease want$ u to speak4 ,wa%burne spoke1 & !n ,i 0 urg$ to speak4 ,i told !m ,i did n "k any?+ ab\t talk+ to ,sunday-s*ools1 b ,mr4 ,pease said _m ( ! *ildr5 7 fri5dless & homeless1 & t a few words w\ld d !m good4 ,wa%burne said ,i mu/ talk4 ,& s ,i rose to speak2 b ,i tell y1 ,jim1 ,i didn't "k :at to say4 ,i rememb]$ t ,mr4 ,pease said t !y 7 homeless & fri5dless1 & ,i ?\ght ( ! "t :5 ,i _h be5 p9*$ by t]rible pov]ty4 ,& s ,i told !m t ,i _h be5 poor2 t ,i rememb]$ :5 my toes /uck out ?r\gh my brok5 %oes 9 w9t]2 :5 my arms 7 out at ! elb[s2 :5 ,i %iv]$ ) ! cold4 ,& ,i told !m !re 0 only "o rule4 ,t 01 always d ! v be/ y c4 ,i told !m t ,i _h always tri$ to d ! v be/ ,i c\ld2 & t1 if !y w\ld foll[ t rule1 !y w\ld get along someh[4 ,t 0 ab\t :at ,i said' 7,e-,day ,life ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #cbb1 #cbc74 ,! =ego+ is significant4 ,l9coln 0 n an advocate ( ,sunday-s*ools4 ,he _h probably nev] visit$ "o be=e4 ,z g5]ally conduct$1 he reg>d$ !m z simply nurs]ies ( sup]/ition4 ,he c\ld n indorse ! religi\s ideas taught 9 !m1 & he 0 n !re t day to antagonize !m4 ,z a consequ5ce1 ?is ready talk]--?is man :o _h be5 mak+ spee*es all 8 life--01 = ! fir/ "t1 at a loss to "k :at to say4 ,he c\ld n talk to !m ab\t ! ,bible--he c\ld n tell !m t x is ! be/ gift :i* ,god has giv5 to man--t all ! good f ! ,savior ( ! _w is communicat$ to u ?r\gh ?is book--t b = ?is book we c\ld n "k "r f wrong--he c\ld n tell !m h[ ,jesus _h di$ = little *ildr51 & all ?is1 because he did n believe x4 ,b he obey$ 8 own life-long rule1 did ! be/ he c\ld "u ! emb>rass+ circum/ances1 & gave !m a little :olesome advice entirely free f ! usual ,sunday-s*ool cant4 ,,rev4 ,,rob]t ,,colly]4 ,rob]t ,colly] /ates t ,l9coln1 j be=e he 0 elect$ ,presid5t1 visit$ ! (fice ( ! ,*icago ,tribune1 & pick+ up a volume ( ,!odore ,p>k]'s writ+s1 turn$ to ,dr4 ,ray & rem>k$3 ,i ?9k t ,i /& ab\t :]e t man /&s4 ,,all5 ,,?orndike ,,rice4 ,! lam5t$ ,all5 ,?orndike ,rice1 ^: brilliant editorial managem5t ( ! ,nor? ,am]ican ,review has plac$ ?is p]iodical 9 ! front rank ( ,am]ican magaz9es1 9 8 ,introduction to ! ,rem9isc5ces ( ,l9coln1 says3 ,! ,we/]n settl]s _h no respect = ,engli% traditions1 :e!r ( ,*ur* or ( ,/ate4 ,accu/om$ all _! lives to grapple ) nature face to face1 !y ?\ght & !y spoke1 ) all ! boldness ( unre/ra9$ s9c]ity1 on e topic ( human int]e/ or ( sacr$ memory1 )\t ! slighte/ recognition ( any "r ( ext]nal au?ority to impose re/rictions1 or ev5 to be he>d 9 prote/ aga9/ _! intellectual indep5d5ce4 ,z _! life develop$ ! utmo/ indep5d5ce ( cre$ & individuality1 he ^: orig9ality 0 ! mo/ fe>less & self-conta9$ 0 *ief among !m4 ,among su* a p1 blood ( _! blood & bone ( _! bone1 diff]+ f !m only 9 /ature1 ,abraham ,l9coln arose to rule ! ,am]ican p ) a m ?an k+ly p[]1 & receiv$ f !m a m ?an feudal loyalty4 ,s eag] is ! *ur* = pro(s ( ,l9coln's piety t ! mo/ incr$ible anonym\s /ory 9 support ( ?is claim is readily accept$ & publi%$ by ! religi\s press z au!ntic hi/ory4 ,by ?is means ! masses h gradually come to reg>d ,l9coln z a dev\t ,*ri/ian4 ,x is evid5t t ,mr4 ,rice _h ^! fabul\s tales 9 m9d :5 he wrote ! foll[+3 ,/ory aft] /ory & trait aft] trait1 z v>y+ 9 value z 9 au!nticity1 has be5 add$ to ! ,l9colniana1 until at la/ ! "n ( ! great w> ,presid5t has come to be a biographic lode/one1 attract+ )\t di/9ction or discrim9ation bo? ! true & ! false4 ,,rob]t ,c4 ,,adams4 ,! not$ au?or1 ,capt4 ,rob]t ,c4 ,adams1 ( ,montreal1 ,c41 says3 ,x is significant t 9 political revolution x is ! ,free?9k] :o is usually ! lead]4 ,frankl91 ,pa9e1 ,jeff]son1 ,wa%+ton1 7 ! *ief f\nd]s ( ! ,am]ican ,republic1 & ,l9coln presid$ at its second bir? ,mazz9i & ,g>ibaldi are ! h]oes ( ,unit$ ,italy2 ,r\sseau1 ,voltaire1 & ,victor ,hugo h be5 ! *ief inspir]s ( ,democratic ,france 7,new ,ideal74 ,,!odore ,,/anton ,9 ! ,we/m9/] ,review = ,septemb]1 #ahia1 ,mr4 ,/anton _h an article discuss+ ! moral "* & religi\s belief ( ,abraham ,l9coln4 ,( 8 religi\s belief1 he says3 ,if ,l9coln _h liv$ & di$ an obscure ,spr+field lawy] & politician he w\ld unque/ionably h be5 class$ by 8 neighbors among ,free?9k]s4 ,b1 z is cu/om>y ) ! *ur*1 :e!r ,roman ,ca?olic or ,prote/ant1 :5 ,l9coln became "o ( ! great ( ! _w an attempt 0 made to claim him4 ,9 try+ to arrive at a correct compreh5sion ( ,l9coln's !ology ?is fact %\ld be borne 9 m9d 9 sift+ ! te/imony4 ,ano!r v important w>p+ influ5ce :i* %\ld n be lo/ sight ( 0 ,l9coln's e>ly ambition = political pref]m5t4 ,n[1 ! %rewd ,am]ican politician ) an ela/ic consci5ce jo9s "s *ur*1 & is always se5 on ,sunday 9 ! front pews4 ,b ! %rewd politician :o has n an ela/ic consci5ce--& ?is 0 ,l9coln's case--simply keeps mum on 8 religi\s views1 or1 :5 he mu/ t\* on ! subject1 deals only 9 platitudes4 ,aft] cit+ ! te/imony ( _m ( ,l9coln's fri5ds1 ,mr4 ,/anton concludes3 ,a man ab\t ^: !ology su* ?+s c be said is ( c\rse f> remov$ f or?odoxy4 ,x may ev5 be que/ion$ :e!r he is a ,!i/1 :e!r he is a ,dei/4 ,t he is a ,free?9k] is evid5t2 t he is an ,agno/ic is probable4 ,,geo4 ,m4 ,,crie4 ,9 ! ,op5 ,c\rt = ,nov4 #bf1 #ahia1 ,mr4 ,mc,crie contributes an article on ,:at ,0 ,abraham ,l9coln's ,cre$8 ,conc]n+ ,l9coln's allusions to ,god1 he says3 ,a ,deity ?us %elv$ or n %elv$1 accord+ to ! dictates ( political exp$i5cy1 or ( individual op9ion z to ! 'propriety' ( ei!r c\rse is no ,deity at all4 ,he is z fictional z ! ',john ,doe' or ',ri*>d ,roe' ( a legal writ1 & anyone mak+ use ( su* a creation--! puppet1 n ! p>5t1 ( 8 own ,egoity--is suppos$ to "k ) :at he is deal+4 ,or?odox religionism may well despair ( ,abraham ,l9coln z ( ,george ,wa%+ton1 ,b5jam9 ,frankl91 or ,presid5t ,jeff]son4 ,,g54 ,m4 ,m4 ,,trumbull ,g54 ,trumbull1 ( ,*icago1 9 ! ,op5 ,c\rt ( ,dec4 #c1ahia1 writes3 ,! religion t begs ! patronage ( presid5ts d\bts its own !ology1 = ! true ,god ne$s n ! favor ( m54444 ,"s ( 8 ,l9coln's tributes to ,deity are m]ely rhetorical emphasis1 b o!rs 7 n4 ,cic]o (t5 swore ',by ,h]cules1' z 9 ! oration aga9/ ,catil9e1 al?\gh he believ$ no m 9 ,h]cules ?an ,abraham ,l9coln believ$ 9 any *ur*-made ,god4 ,,rev4 ,,david ,,sw+1 ,d4,d4 ,9 a s]mon on ,wa%+ton & ,l9coln1 ! mo/ em95t & popul> div9e ( ,*icago1 ,dr4 ,sw+1 said3 ,x is (t5 lam5t$ by ! *ur*m5 t ,wa%+ton & ,l9coln possess$ little religion except t f\nd 9 ! ^w ',god4' ,all t c "h be affirm$ is t :at ! religion ( ^? two m5 lack$ 9 !ological details x made up 9 greatness4 ,_! m9ds 7 born ) a love ( great pr9ciples4444 ,!re are few in/ances 9 :i* a m9d great en\gh to rea* great pr9ciples 9 politics has be5 satisfi$ ) a fanatical religion4444 ,x mu/ n be ask$ = ,wa%+ton & ,l9coln t1 hav+ rea*$ greatness 9 political pr9ciples1 !y %\ld h lov$ littl5ess 9 piety4 ,,rev4 ,,j5k9 ,,lloyd ,,jones4 ,! ,rev4 ,j4 ,lloyd ,jones1 "o ( ,*icago's mo/ eloqu5t div9es1 9 a s]mon prea*$ 9 ,all ,s\ls ,*ur*1 ,dec4 #i1 #ahhh1 gave utt]ance to ! foll[+3 ,are !re n ?\s&s :o h lov$ virtue :o did n accept ,jesus ,*ri/ 9 any sup]natural or miracul\s fa%ion1 :o if !y knew ( him at all knew ( him only z ! ,naz>9e peasant--! man ,jesus8 ,su* 0 ,abraham ,l9coln1 ! t5d] prophet ( ! gospel ( good w ^u e>?2 ,*>les ,sumn]1 ! great apo/le ( human lib]ty2 ,g]rit ,smi?1 ! ,/4 ,john ( political re=m2 ,william ,ell]y ,*ann+1 our sa9t$ prea*]2 ,!odore ,p>k]1 ! ,am]ican ,lu!r1 hurl+ 8 defiance at ! devils ( bigotry2 ,john ,/u>t ,mill & ,h>riet ,m>t9eau--yes1 to take an extreme case1 ! g5ial & ov]-satirical ,rob]t ,g4 ,+]soll1 are among ^? :o love goodness & fo/] nobility1 ?\gh !y h no cle> vision into futurity & confess no o!r lord%ip 9 him ( ,naz>e? save ! dignity ( aim & t5d]ness ( life4 ,,rev4 ,,john ,w4 ,,*adwick4 ,9 an address deliv]$ 9 ,tremont ,temple1 ,bo/on1 ,may #cj1 #ahgb1 ! ,rev4 ,john ,w4 ,*adwick1 ( ,brooklyn1 ,n4 ,y41 ref]r+ to ! propos$ religi\s am5dm5t to ! ,con/itution ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 said3 ,( ! six m5 :o h done mo/ to make ,am]ica ! wond] & ! joy %e is to all ( u1 n "o c\ld be ! citiz5 ( a gov]nm5t s con/itut$2 = ,wa%+ton & ,frankl9 & ,jeff]son1 c]ta9ly ! ?ree mightie/ lead]s 9 our e>ly hi/ory1 7 h]etics 9 _! day1 ,dei/s1 z m5 call$ !m2 & ,g>rison & ,l9coln & ,sumn]1 c]ta9ly ! ?ree mightie/ 9 ^! lat] times1 w\ld all be disfran*is$ by ! propos$ am5dm5t4 ,l9coln c\ld n h tak5 ! oa? ( (fice _h su* a clause be5 9 ! ,con/itution4 ,,*apt] ,,xiv4 ,,evid5ce ,,ga!r$ ,,f ,,l9coln',s ,,lett]s ,,spee*es1 ,,& ,,conv]sations ,! ,bible & ,*ri/ianity--,*ri/'s ,div9ity--,future ,rew>ds & ,puni%m5ts--,fre$om ( ,m9d--,fatalism-- ,provid5ce--,l9es 9 ,copy-book--,p>k]--,pa9e--,opposition ( ,*ur*--,cl]ical ,(fici\s-ness ,rebuk$--,irrev]5t ,jokes-- ,pr(anity--,temp]ance ,re=m--,indorsem5t ( ,"l ,bol+broke's ,writ+s--,gold5 ,rule4 ,! te/imony ( "o hundr$ witnesses w n[ be supplem5t$ by evid5ce f ! tongue & p5 ( ,l9coln himself4 ,! great] portion ( :at he wrote & utt]$ aga9/ ,*ri/ianity has p]i%$2 b en\gh has be5 pres]v$ to demon/rate1 ev5 9 ! abs5ce ( o!r evid5ce1 t he 0 n a ,*ri/ian4 ,f 8 lett]s1 spee*es1 & record$ conv]sations1 ! foll[+ radical s5tim5ts h be5 extract$4 ,not)/&+ ! ef=ts ( ,holl& & ,bate-man to prove t ,l9coln 0 a believ] 9 ,*ri/ianity1 x is admitt$ t 9 8 conv]sation ) ,bateman1 he said3 ,i am n a ,*ri/ian 7,holl&'s ,life ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #bcf1 #bcg74 ,:5 8 ,*ri/ian fri5ds at ,pet]sburg int]f]$ to prev5t 8 propos$ duel ) ,%ields1 & told him t x 0 contr>y to ! tea*+s ( ! ,bible & ,*ri/ianity1 he rem>k$3 ,! ,bible is n my book1 nor ,*ri/ianity my pr(ession 7,lett] ( ,w4 ,p]k9s74 ,:ile at ,wa%+ton1 9 a lett] to 8 old fri5d1 ,judge ,wakefield1 writt5 9 #ahfb1 9 answ] to inquiries respect+ 8 belief & ! express$ hope t he _h become conv9c$ ( ! tru? ( ,*ri/ianity1 he repli$ z foll[s3 ,my e>li] views ( ! uns\ndness ( ! ,*ri/ian s*eme ( salvation & ! human orig9 ( ! ,scriptures h become cle>] & /rong] ) advanc+ ye>s & ,i see no reason = ?9k+ ,i %all ev] *ange !m4 ,9 a discussion t\*+ ^u ! pat]nity ( ,jesus1 he said3 ,!re mu/ h be5 sexual int]c\rse betwe5 man & woman1 & n betwe5 ,god & 8 daught]4 ,! above words 7 utt]$ 9 ! pres5ce ( ,mr4 ,gre5 ,c>u!rs & ,mr4 ,w4 ,a4 ,br[n+1 ( ,spr+field4 ,l9coln cont5d$ t ,jesus 0 ei!r ! son ( ,joseph & ,m>y1 or ! illegitimate son ( ,m>y4 ,9 a conv]sation ) 8 fri5d1 ,mr4 ,e4 ,h4 ,wood1 ( ,spr+field1 conc]n+ ! doctr9e ( endless puni%m5t1 he said3 ,!re is no hell4 ,9 reg>d to ?is subject1 he (t5 obs]v$3 ,if ,god be a j ,god1 all w be sav$ or none 7,man=d's ,magaz9e74 ,! or?odox idea ( ,god--a ,god t creates poor1 fallible be+s1 & !n =ev] damns !m = fail+ to believe :at x is impossible = !m to believe--he abhorr$4 ,! ,gold5 ,rule 0 8 moral /&>d1 & by ?is /&>d he measur$ n only ! conduct ( man1 b ( ,god himself4 ,l ! irrepressible ,dr4 ,t4 ,l4 ,br[n1 he want$ ,god to damn o!rs z he w\ld be damn$ himself4 ,he delight$ to repeat ! epitaph ( ! old ,kickapoo ,indian1 ,johnnie ,kongapod3 ,"h lies poor ,johnnie ,kongapod2 ,h m]cy on him1 graci\s ,god1 ,z he w\ld d if he 7 ,god ,& y 7 ,johnnie ,kongapod4 ,l9coln ?\ght t ,god ought at lea/ to be z m]ciful z a respectable savage4 ,_m cont5d t ! doctr9e ( future rew>ds & puni%m5ts1 ev5 if untrue1 has a re/ra9+ influ5ce ^u ! masses ( mank9d4 ,t ,l9coln did n %>e ?is fallaci\s op9ion1 is %[n by ! foll[+ extract f an address deliv]$ 9 ,spr+field 9 #ahdb3 ,pleasures to be enjoy$1 or pa9s to be endur$1 aft] we %all be dead & gone1 are b little reg>d$4444 ,!re is some?+ s ludicr\s1 9 promises ( good1 or ?reats ( evil1 a great way (f1 z to r5d] ! :ole subject ) :i* !y are connect$1 easily turn$ into ridicule4 ',bett] lay d[n t spade y're /eal+1 ,paddy--if y don't1 y'll pay = x at ! ,day ( ,judgm5t4' ',be ! p[]s1 if ye'll cr$it me s long ,i'll take ano!r' 7,l9coln ,memorial ,album1 p4 #ia74 ,comm5t+ ^u ! "q ( "o's return+ & communicat+ ) 8 fri5ds aft] dea?1 he obs]v$3 ,x is a d\btful "q :e!r we ev] get any:]e to get back 7,/atem5t ( ,e4 ,h4 ,wood74 ,he did n believe 9 ! fre$om ( ! w4 ,an obs]vation :i* he repeat$ly made 0 ! foll[+3 ,no man has a fre$om ( m9d 7,te/imony ( ,w4 ,h4 ,h]ndon74 ,8 fatali/ic notions are confirm$ by 8 own words3 ,i h all my life be5 a fatali/4 ,:at is to be w be2 or1 r1 ,i h f\nd all my life1 z ,hamlet says3 ',!re's a div9ity t %apes our ends1 ,r\gh-hew !m h[ we w4' 7,e-,day ,life ( ,l9coln1 p4 #aih74 ,! foll[+ 0 a favorite maxim ) him3 ,:at is to be w be1 & no pray]s ( ours c arre/ ! decree 7,/atem5t ( ,mrs4 ,l9coln74 ,9 a spee* on ,kansas1 deliv]$ 9 #ahef1 he us$ ! foll[+ words 9 reg>d to ,provid5ce3 ,fri5ds1 ,i agree ) y 9 ,provid5ce2 b ,i believe 9 ! ,provid5ce ( ! mo/ m51 ! l>ge/ purse1 & ! longe/ cannon 7,l9coln's ,spee*es1 p4 #adj74 ,! writ] has 9 8 possession1 among o!rs ( ,l9coln's pap]s1 a leaf f 8 copybook1 tatt]$ & yell[ f age1 on :i*1 sev5ty ye>s ago1 ,l9coln1 a s*ool-boy ( f\rte51 wrote ! foll[+ *>act]i/ic l9es3 ,abraham ,l9coln1 8 h& & p52 ,he w be good1 b ,god kn[s :54 ,if by good he meant pi\s1 ! prophecy 0 nev] fulfill$4 ,b a %ort "t be=e he 0 elect$ ,presid5t1 he said to ,dr4 ,ray3 ,i ?9k t ,i /& ab\t :]e t man ,!odore ,p>k] /&s 7,/atem5t ( ,rev4 ,eob]t ,colly]74 ,! au?or ^: writ+s ex]t$ ! greate/ influ5ce ^u ,l9coln's m9d1 9 a !ological way1 0 ,?omas ,pa9e4 ,ah6 t pot5tial ,age ( ,reason6 ,criticise x z y may1 no "o ev] yet c>efully p]us$ its pages & !n hone/ly affirm$ t ! ,bible is ! infallible ^w ( ,god4 ,h]n-don & o!rs decl>e t ,pa9e 0 a "p ( ,l9coln f #ahcd till 8 dea?4 ,to a fri5d he said3 ,i nev] tire ( read+ ,pa9e 7,/atem5t ( ,james ,tuttle74 ,9 ! lat] ye>s ( 8 life1 :5 ! subject ( religion 0 m5tion$1 ) a kn[+ smile1 he 0 wont to rem>k3 ,x w n d to inve/igate ! subject ( religion too closely1 z x is apt to lead to ,infidelity 7,man=d's ,magaz9e74 ,x has be5 /at$ t ,l9coln 0 oppos$ 9 8 political campaigns on acc\nt ( 8 disbelief4 ,?is is confirm$ by a lett] he wrote to ,m>t9 ,m4 ,morris1 ( ,pet]sburg1 ,ill41 ,m>* #bf1ahdc4 ,9 ?is lett]1 he says3 ,!re 01 too1 ! /range/ comb9ation ( *ur* influ5ce aga9/ me4 ,bak] is a ,campbellite2 & !re=e1 z ,i suppose1 ) few exceptions1 got all t *ur*4 ,my wife has "s relatives 9 ! ,presbyt]ian *ur*es1 & "s ) ! ,episcopal *ur*es2 & !re=e1 :]ev] x w\ld tell1 ,i 0 set d[n z ei!r ! "o or ! o!r1 :ile x 0 ev]y:]e cont5d$ t no ,*ri/ian ought to g = me1 because ,i belong$ to no *ur*--0 suspect$ ( be+ a ,dei/4444 ,^? influ5ces levi$ a tax ( a consid]able p] c5t ^u my /r5g? ?r\gh\t ! religi\s controv]sy 7,lamon's ,life ( ,l9coln1 p4 #bga74 ,he nev] *ang$ 8 op9ions1 & ! *ur* nev] ceas$ to oppose him4 ,9 ! ,bateman int]view1 sev5te5 ye>s lat]1 he 0 compell$ to note its rel5tless intol]ance3 ,"h are tw5ty-?ree m9i/]s ( diff]5t d5om9ations1 & all ( !m are aga9/ me b ?ree2 & "h are a great _m prom95t memb]s ( ! *ur*es1 a v l>ge majority ( :om are aga9/ me 7,holl&'s ,life ( ,l9coln1 p4 #bcf74 ,= ?irty ye>s ! *ur* endeavor$ to cru% ,l9coln1 b :51 9 spite ( h] malignant opposition1 he a*iev$ a glori\s immortality1 ?is same *ur*1 to hide ! m$iocrity ( h] devotees1 attempts to /eal 8 dea?less "n4 ,9 a spee* deliv]$ 9 ,spr+field1 9 #aheg1 allud+ to ! negro1 he said3 ,all ! p[]s ( ! e>? seem rapidly comb9+ aga9/ him4 ,mammon is aft] him1444 & ! !ology ( ! day is fa/ jo9+ 9 ! cry 7,l9coln ,memorial ,album1 p4 #ajj74 ,! !ology ( ! day 0 or?odox ,*ri/ianity4 ,9 ?is s5t5ce1 says ,mr4 ,h]ndon1 he int5d$ to hit ,*ri/ianity a left-h&$ bl[1 & a h>d "o4 ,9 8 ,second ,inaugural address1 ref]r+ to ! cont5d+ ,*ri/ian elem5ts 9 ! civil w>1 he says3 ,bo? read ! same ,bible & pray to ! same ,god1 & ea* invokes 8 aid aga9/ ! o!r4 ,:at a comm5t>y ^u ! hypocritical assumption t ,*ri/ians possess an infallible moral /&>d1 is conta9$ 9 ! above words6 ,! ,l9coln ,memorial ,album pret5ds to give ! ,second ,inaugural complete1 b omits ! words quot$4 ,z ?is address comes almo/ imm$iately aft] 8 reput$ spee* to ! ,ill9ois cl]gyman1 ! editor probably notic$ a lack ( h>mony betwe5 ! two1 & ?\ght t ! ret5tion ( ^! h]etical words w\ld ca/ suspicion ^u ! g5u95ess ( t rem>kable confession4 ,! ,memorial ,album is a m]itori\s "w1 b _h ,mr4 ,oldroyd manife/$ z great a desire to pres5t ! g5u9e utt]ances ( ,l9coln z ! apocryphal1 its value w\ld h be5 enhanc$4 ,! unmutilat$ v]sion ( ! la/ ,inaugural may be f\nd 9 ,holl&'s ,life ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #ejc1 #ejd2 ,arnold's ,life ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #djc1 #djd2 ,arnold's ,l9coln & ,slav]y1 pp4 #fbe-fbg2 & ,! ,e-,day ,life ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #fha1 #fhb4 ,no ,presid5t1 probably1 0 ev] s mu* annoy$ by ! cl]gy z ,l9coln4 ,! w> produc$ an increas$ religi\s f]vor1 & !ological tramps innum]able1 usually label$ ,d4 ,d41 visit$ ! ,:ite ,h\se1 ea* ) a mission to p]=m & a preci\s morsel ( advice to (f]4 ,9 ! foll[+ cau/ic words1 he expresses 8 contempt = _! (fici\sness3 ,i am approa*$ ) ! mo/ opposite op9ions & advice1 & by religi\s m5 :o are c]ta9 !y repres5t ! ,div9e w4444 ,i hope x w n be irrev]5t 9 me to say1 t if x be probable t ,god w\ld reveal 8 w to o!rs1 on a po9t s connect$ ) my duty1 x might be suppos$ he w\ld reveal x directly to me 7,religi\s ,convictions ( ,abraham ,l9coln74 ,equally p]t95t1 &1 inde$1 simil> 0 8 language to a pi\s lady1 a ,fri5d1 :o came z ,god's ag5t to in/ruct him :at to d3 ,i h nei!r "t nor disposition to ent] into discussion ) ! ,fri5d1 & end ?is occasion by sugge/+ = h] consid]ation ! "q1 :e!r1 if x be true t ! ,"l has appo9t$ me %e claim$ t he _h to d ! works %e has indicat$1 x is 7is x7 ,,pg ,ed4 n probable t he w\ld h communicat$ k ( ! fact to me z well z to h]8 7,e-,day ,life ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #ecf1 #ecg74 ,he /eadily prohibit$ 8 g5]als f m$dl+ ) ! religi\s affairs ( ^? resid+ )9 ! limits ( _! respective dep>tm5ts1 & at ! same "t c\nsel$ !m n to p]mit ! pret5d$ sanctity ( ! *ur* to %ield (f5d]s f ju/ice4 ,9 a lett] to ,g5]al ,curtis1 c5sur+ ! provo/ m>%al ( ,/4 ,l\is = int]f]+ ) *ur* matt]s1 he writes3 ,! ,unit$ ,/ates ,gov]nm5t mu/ n und]take to run ! *ur*es4 ,:5 an individual 9 a *ur*1 or out ( x1 becomes dang]\s to ! public int]e/ he mu/ be *eck$ 7,nicolay & ,hay's ,life ( ,l9coln74 ,9 an ord] relat+ to a *ur* 9 ,memphis1 issu$ ,may #ac1 #ahfd1 he said3 ,if !re be no milit>y ne$ = ! build+1 leave x alone1 nei!r putt+ any "o 9 or out ( x1 except on f9d+ "s "o prea*+ or practic+ treason1 9 :i* case lay h&s ^u him1 j z if he 7 do+ ! same ?+ 9 any o!r build+ 7,ibid74 ,dur+ ! w> 8 att5tion 0 call$ to ! notori\sly bad "* ( army *apla9s4 ,he express$ 8 contempt = !m1 & = or?odox prea*]s g5]ally1 by relat+ ! foll[+ /ory3 ,once1 9 ,spr+field1 ,i 0 go+ (f on a %ort j\rney1 & rea*$ ! depot a little ahead ( "t4 ,lean+ aga9/ ! f5ce j outside ! depot 0 a little d>ky boy1 :om ,i knew1 nam$ ,dick1 busily digg+ ) 8 toe 9 a mud-puddle4 ,z ,i came up1 ,i said1 ',dick1 :at are y ab\t8 ',mak+ a *ur*1' said he4 ',a *ur*8' said ,i2 ':at d y mean8' ',:y1 yes1' said ,dick1 po9t+ ) 8 toe1 'don't y see8 !re is ! %ape ( x2 !re's ! /eps & front door--"h's ! pews1 :]e ! folks set--& !re's ! pulpit4' ',yes1 ,i see1' said ,i1 'b :y don't y make a m9i/]8' ',laws1' answ]$ ,dick1 ) a gr91 ',i ha9't got mud en\gh' 7,anecdotes ( ,l9coln1 p4 #hf74 ,! mo/ highly ari/ocratic *ur* 9 ,wa%+ton is ,/ ,john's ,episcopal *ur*4 ,s v ari/ocratic is x t applicants = memb]%ip deem x necess>y to give ref]5ces respect+ _! social /&+ 9 ! community4 ,! ,new ,york ,/> relates ! foll[+ joke :i* ,l9coln once p]petrat$ at ! exp5se ( ?is *ur*3 ,"o day dur+ ! w> a "y (fic] call$ on him to secure an appo9tm5t 9 ! army1 & br\ght ) him lett]s ( recomm5dation sign$ by ! ,f4 ,e4 ,v4's 9 ! ,di/rict ( ,columbia4 ,!re _h be5 no application = (fice be=e ,presid5t ,l9coln s /rongly support$ by ! ari/ocracy1 &1 turn+ to ! "y man1 he said he w\ld give him ! appo9tm5t & h&$ him back ! pap]s4 ',don't y want to place ! pap]s on file8' ask$ ! (fice-seek]4 ',i suppos$ t 0 ! cu/om4' ',yes1 t is ! cu/om1' said ,presid5t ,l9coln1 'b y _h bett] take !m ) y1 z y might want to jo9 ,/4 ,john's *ur*4' ,did ,l9coln ev] use pr(ane language8 ,if he did1 ?is fact w af=d no evid5ce to ,free?9k]s t he 0 a disbeliev] 9 ,*ri/ianity4 ,free?9k]s are z free f ?is vice1 if vice x be1 z ,*ri/ians4 ,v pi\s p]sons1 h[ev]1 su* z ,l9coln is repres5t$ to h be5 by 8 ,*ri/ian biograph]s1 are v c>eful ab\t _! use ( pr(ane words4 ,*ri/ comm&$ 8 foll[]s to pray 9 private1 & bade !m swe> n at all4 ,dev\t ,*ri/ians usually pray 9 public & swe> 9 private4 ,l9coln 0 b little addict$ to pr(anity1 b if he _h occasion to use a ^w ( ?is "* he did n g to 8 closet to use x4 ,9 a bus9ess lett] to a fri5d1 he said3 ,a d------d hawk-bill$ ,yankee is "h besett+ me at e turn 7,lamon's ,life ( ,l9coln1 p4 #caf74 ,9 a lett] to ,spe$1 conc]n+ an alleg$ murd] case1 he wrote3 ,h>t1 ! little drayman t haul$ ,molly home once1 said x 0 too damn$ bad to h s mu* tr\ble & no hang+ 7,ibid1 p4 #cba74 ,= ! sake ( pleas+ ! fools1 he atta*$ 8 signature to ! pi\s nons5se ( ,sew>d1 ,) equal read9ess he indors$ ! pr(ane nons5se 787 ( ,/anton4 ,dur+ ! w> ! patriotic ,lovejoy _h devis$ a milit>y s*eme :i* he believ$ w\ld prove b5eficial to ! ,union cause1 & obta9$ an ord] f ! ,presid5t = its execution4 ,he took ! ord] to ,/anton1 b all t ev] result$ f x 0 ! foll[+ spirit$ colloquy3 ',did ,l9coln give y an ord] ( t k9d8' said ,/anton4 ',he did1 sir4' ',!n he is a d------d fool1' said ! irate ,secret>y4 ',d y mean to say ! ,presid5t is a d------d fool8' ask$ ,lovejoy1 9 amazem5t4 ',yes1 sir1 if he gave y su* an ord] z t4' ,! bewild]$ ,ill9oisan betook himself at once to ! ,presid5t1 & relat$ ! result ( 8 conf]5ce4 ,did ,/anton say ,i 0 a d------d fool8' ask$ ,l9coln at ! close ( ! recital4 ',he did1 sir1 & repeat$ x4' ,aft] a mom5t's pause1 & look+ up1 ! ,presid5t said3 ',if ,/anton said ,i 0 a d------d fool1 !n ,i mu/ be "o1 = he is ne>ly always "r1 & g5]ally says :at he means' 7,e-,day ,life ( ,l9coln1 pp4 #dhc1 #dhd74 ,at a ,cab9et meet+1 9 #ahfc1 :5 a conflict betwe5 ! ,presid5t & ,congress reg>d+ ! admission ( c]ta9 repres5tatives f loyal di/ricts ( ! ,s\?1 :i* he favor$1 0 ?reat5$1 he turn$ to ,secret>y ,*ase1 & exclaim$3 ,!re x is1 sir4 ,i am to be bulli$ by ,congress1 am ,i8 ,if ,i d ,i'll be d------d6 ,:5 ,l9coln visit$ ,new ,orleans he att5d$ a slave sale4 ,a beautiful girl1 almo/ :ite1 0 plac$ ^u ! auction block & expos$ to ! grosse/ indignities4 ,z he turn$ to leave1 boil+ ) indignation1 he exclaim$3 ,by ,god1 if ,i ev] get a *ance to hit t in/itution1 ,i w hit x h>d 7,arnold's ,life ( ,l9coln1 ,note74 ,?irty ye>s lat] ! *ance came4 ,he /ruck ! bl[--a mortal "o4 ,! foll[+ is a pray] :i* ,l9coln1 :ile at ! ,:ite ,h\se1 put into ! m\? ( a belat$ travel] :o 0 caught 9 a viol5t ?und]/orm3 ,o ,"l1 if x is all ! same to y1 give u a little m light & a little less noise6 7,six ,mon?s at ! ,:ite ,h\se1 p4 #di74 ,is x possible t a ,*ri/ian & a ,calv9i/ w\ld repeat su* an irrev]5t1 n to say blasphem\s1 supplication8 ,accord+ to ! ,brooklyn ,calv9i/1 ,god visits su* supplicants ) p>alysis & petrifaction4 ,l mo/ ,free?9k]s1 ,l9coln 0 a g5u9e re=m]4 ,! ,antislav]y re=m 0 n ! only re=m t enli/$ 8 support4 ,at an e>ly day he esp\s$ ! ,temp]ance cause4 ,:5 ! *ur* 0 ! ally ( intemp]ance z x 0 ( slav]y--:51 to use 8 own words1 ,f ! sidebo>d ( ! p>son d[n to ! ragg$ pocket ( ! h\seless loaf] intoxicat+ liquor 0 con/antly f\nd1 he 0 labor+ & lectur+ 9 behalf ( ! ,wa%+tonian movem5t4 ,) ! f]vor ( an en?usia/1 he exclaims 9 true ,free-?\ght language3 ,happy day1 :51 all appetites controll$1 all passions subdu$1 all matt] subjugat$1 m9d1 all-conqu]+ m9d1 %all live & move1 ! mon>* ( ! _w6 ,glori\s consummation6 ,hail1 fall ( fury6 ,reign ( ,reason1 all hail6 7,l9coln ,memorial ,album1 p4 #if74 ,to sumptu>y laws & to ! d5unciatory me?ods s common among or?odox ,*ri/ians to-day1 he 01 h[ev]1 /r5u\sly oppos$4 ,he says3 ,x is n mu* 9 ! nature ( man to be driv5 to any?+2 /ill less to be driv5 ab\t t :i* is exclusively 8 own bus9ess 7,ibid1 p4 #hf74 ,:5 ! conduct ( m5 is design$ to be influ5c$1 p]suasion1 k9d1 unassum+ p]suasion1 %\ld ev] be adopt$ 7lb41 p4 #hg74 ,8 nephew1 ,mr4 ,hall1 in=m$ me t ,l9coln once made x co/ a m$dlesome cl]gyman1 ( ,coles ,c\nty1 eighty doll>s = seiz+ & de/roy+ a qu>t ( :isky1 valu$ at twelve & a half c5ts1 & belong+ to a relative ( !irs4 ,9 ?is *apt] ,i wi% to pres5t "s radical ?\ghts1 n f ! p5 ( ,l9coln himself1 b :i* 9 ! "w f :i* !y are tak5 be> unmi/akable signs ( 8 approval4 ,mr4 ,d4 ,w4 ,c4 ,%attuck1 an old & respect$ m]*ant ( ,way-l&1 ,mi*41 has 9 8 possession a book :i* belong$ to ,l9coln4 ,its hi/ory is z foll[s3 ,%ortly aft] ,l9coln's election to ! ,presid5cy a "y man f ,spr+field1 ,ill41 & a relative or intimate acqua9tance ( ,l9coln's1 came to bo>d ) ,mr4 ,%attuck1 :o !n resid$ 9 ,kalamazoo4 ,look+ ov] ! cont5ts ( 8 trunk "o day ! "y man pick$ up a book & at ! same "t rem>k$3 ,t book belongs to ,abe ,l9coln4 ,i =got to return x to him be=e leav+ ,spr+field4 ,x is 8 favorite book1 & ,i mu/ n fail to return x4 ,mr4 ,%attuck express+ a desire to p]use ! "w1 x 0 h&$ to him1 & ! "y man be+ soon aft] unexpect$ly call$ away1 x 0 =gott54 ,x prov$ to be a volume ( ! writ+s ( ,"l ,bol+broke1 ! great ,engli% ,infidel4 ,on a fly-leaf 0 ! signature ( ,abraham ,l9coln4 ,9 ! "w c]ta9 passages :i* seem to h especially impress$ ,l9coln are m>k$ ) a p5cil & 9 a mann] peculi> to him4 ,! foll[+ are ! passages he m>k$1 :i* ,i h copi$ f ! book1 & :i* evid5tly receiv$ 8 unqualifi$ indorsem5t3 ,abbadie says 9 8 fam\s book1 t ! ,gospel ( ,/4 ,mat!w is cit$ by ,clem5s ,bi%op ( ,borne1 a disciple ( ! ,apo/les2 t ,b>nabas cites x 9 8 epi/le2 t ,ignatius & ,polyc>p receive x2 & t ! same ,fa!rs1 t give te/imony = ,mat!w1 give x likewise = ,m>k4 ,nay1 y\r lord%ip w f9d1 ,i believe1 t ! pres5t ,bi%op ( ,london1 9 8 ?ird pa/oral lett]1 speaks to ! same effect4 ,i w n tr\ble y nor myself ) any m in/ances ( ! same k9d4 ,let ?is1 :i* occurr$ to me z ,i 0 writ+1 suffice4 ,x may well suffice2 = ,i presume ! fact advanc$ by ! m9i/] & ! ,bi%op is a mi/ake4 ,if ! ,fa!rs ( ! ,fir/ ,c5tury d m5tion "s passages t are agreeable to :at we read 9 our ,evangeli/s1 w x foll[ t ^! ,fa!rs _h ! same gospels be=e !m8 ,to say s is a manife/ abuse ( hi/ory1 & q inexcusable 9 writ]s t knew1 or %\ld h kn[n1 t ^! ,fa!rs made use ( o!r gospels1 :]e9 su* passages might be conta9$1 or !y might be pres]v$ 9 unwritt5 tradition4 ,besides :i* ,i c\ld almo/ v5ture to affirm t ^! ,fa!rs ( ! ,fir/ ,c5tury d n expressly "n ! gospels we h ( ,mat!w1 ,m>k1 ,luke1 & ,john4 ,writ]s ( ! ,roman religion h attempt$ to %[1 t ! text ( ! ,holy ,writ is on _m acc\nts insuffici5t to be ! sole crit]ion ( or?odoxy2 ,i appreh5d too t !y h %[n x4 ,sure ,i am t exp]i5ce1 f ! fir/ promulgation ( ,*ri/ianity to ?is h\r1 %[s abundantly ) h[ mu* ease & success ! mo/ opposite1 ! mo/ extravagant1 nay ! mo/ impi\s op9ions1 & ! mo/ contradictory fai?s1 may be f\nd$ on ! same text2 & plausibly def5d$ by ! same au?ority4 ,writ]s ( ! ,re=m$ religion h erect$ _! batt]ies aga9/ tradition2 & ! only difficulty !y _h to enc\nt] 9 ?is ent]prise lay 9 level+ & po9t+ _! cannon s z to avoid demoli%+1 9 "o common ru91 ! traditions !y reta91 & ^? !y reject4 ,ea* side has be5 employ$ to weak5 ! cause & explode ! sy/em ( 8 adv]s>y2 &1 :il/ !y h be5 s employ$1 !y h jo9tly laid _! axes to ! root ( ,*ri/ianity2 = ?us m5 w be apt to reason ^u :at !y h advanc$4 ',if ! text has n t au!nticity1 cle>ness1 & precision :i* are necess>y to e/abli% x z a div9e & a c]ta9 rule ( fai? & practice2 & if ! tradition ( ! *ur* f ! fir/ ages ( x till ! days ( ,lu!r & ,calv91 has be5 corrupt$ itself1 & has s]v$ to corrupt ! fai? & practice ( ,*ri/ians2 !re rema9s at ?is "t no /&>d at all ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,by consequ5ce ei!r ?is religion 0 n orig9ally ( div9e in/itution1 or else ,god has n provid$ effectually = pres]v+ ! g5u9e purity ( x1 & ! gates ( hell h prevail$1 9 contradiction to 8 promise1 aga9/ ! *ur*4' ,i h read some:]e1 p]haps 9 ! works ( ,/4 ,j]ome1 t ?is ,fa!r ju/ifies ! op9ion ( ^? :o ?9k x impossible to fix any c]ta9 *ronology on t ( ! ,bible2 & ?is op9ion w be ju/ifi$ /ill bett]1 to ! und]/&+ ( e man t consid]s h[ grossly ! ,jews blund] :5ev] !y m$dle ) *ronology4 ,! resurrection ( lett]s 0 a fatal p]iod2 ! ,*ri/ian sy/em has be5 attack$1 & w\nd$ too1 v sev]ely s9ce t "t4 ,:5 int]rogat$ z to :y he _h nev] unit$ ) any *ur*1 ,l9coln repli$3 ,:5 y %[ me a *ur* bas$ on ! ,gold5 ,rule z its only cre$1 !n ,i w unite ) x4 ,he nev] jo9$ a *ur*1 because ( all ! ,*ri/ian sects1 n "o c\ld %[ su* a cre$4 ,! ,gold5 ,rule--conc$+ to o!rs ! same rights he claim$ = himself--01 h[ev]1 ! v corn]/one ( ,free?\ght1 & h5ce he rema9$ a ,free?9k]4 ,,*apt] ,,xv4 ,,recapitulation ,,& ,,conclusion ,"* ( ,*ri/ian ,te/imony--,summ>y ( ,evid5ce ,adduc$ 9 ,pro( ( ,l9coln's ,unbelief--,d\glas an ,unbeliev]--,!odore ,p>k]'s ,!ology--,fallacy ( ,claims ,respect+ ,l9coln's ,reput$ ,conv]sion--,8 ,invocations ( ,deity--,8 ,alleg$ ,reg>d = ! ,sabba?--,! ,*ur* & ,hypocrisy--,l9coln's ,religion4 ,9 ! prosecution ( ?is inquiry1 ! te/imony ( "o hundr$ & tw5ty witnesses has be5 pres5t$4 ,! te/imony ( tw5ty ( ^! witnesses is to ! effect t ,l9coln 0 a ,*ri/ian2 ! te/imony ( "o hundr$ is to ! effect t he 0 n4 ,( ^? :o h te/ifi$ 9 support ( ! claim t ,l9coln 0 a ,*ri/ian1 t5 admit t dur+ a "p ( 8 life he 0 a disbeliev] 9 ,*ri/ianity1 :ile n "o ( ! rema9+ t5 disputes ! fact4 ,if he nev] *ang$ 8 belief !n he di$ an unbeliev]4 ,did he *ange 8 belief & become a conv]t to ,*ri/ianity8 ,x devolves ^u ^? :o affirm t he did to prove x4 ,h !y done ?is8 ,!y h n4 ,_! attempts h be5 9 e in/ance pitiable failures4 ,! unreasonable & conflict+ "* ( ! te/imony adduc$ refutes itself4 ,:5 0 he conv]t$8 ,no less ?an five diff]5t dates h be5 assign$4 ,"o witness /ates t x 0 9 #ahdh2 "o1 t x 0 9 #aheh2 ano!r1 t x 0 9 #ahfb2 ano!r1 t x 0 9 ,july1 #ahfc2 & /ill ano!r1 t x 0 9 ,novemb]1 #ahfc4 ,! rem>kable "* ( ! /atem5ts record$ 9 ,*apt] ,i4--rem>kable :5 comp>$ ) ! /atem5ts giv5 9 ! prec$+ t5 *apt]s1 & n less rem>kable :5 comp>$ ) ea* o!r--may be v>i\sly acc\nt$ =4 ,a "p ( !m are bas$ ^u a false premise1 an errone\s conception ( :at ! t]m ,*ri/ian means2 a portion ( !m are m]ely ! expressions ( beliefs unsupport$ by actual k2 :ile a n inconsid]able %>e ( !m are ! /atem5ts ( ^? :o h kn[+ly & delib]ately borne false witness4 ,^! witnesses comprise3 #a4 ,^? :o d n "k :at con/itutes a ,*ri/ian--:o conf\nd ,*ri/ianity ) morality--:o affirm t he 0 a ,*ri/ian simply because he 0 a moral man4 #b4 ,^? :o d n "k :at 8 religi\s views 71 b :o inf] t he 0 a ,*ri/ian because o!rs h decl>$ t he 01 & because ( ! frequ5t allusions to ,deity t occur 9 8 spee*es & /ate pap]s4 #c4 ,^? :o "k t he 0 n a ,*ri/ian1 b :o believe x to be "r & prop] to lie = ! glory ( ,*ri/ianity & ! pr(it ( its prie/s4 ,! te/imony advanc$ 9 support ( ! claim ( ,l9coln's ,*ri/ianity is1 = ! mo/ "p1 ! te/imony ( or?odox ,*ri/ians--a majority ( !m or?odox cl]gym54 ,dr4 ,holl&1 ! *ief ( ^! ,*ri/ian claimants1 says3 ,! fact is a matt] ( hi/ory t he nev] expos$ 8 own religi\s life to ^? :o _h no sympa?y ) x4 ,?is1 s f> z ! lat] ye>s ( 8 life are conc]n$1 is sub/antially true2 & ?is v fact precludes ! possibility ( ^! or?odox witnesses be+ able to /ate f p]sonal k :at 8 religi\s views 74 ,9 refutation ( ?is claim1 ,i h pres5t$ ! te/imony ( ^? :o 7 ne>e/ to ,l9coln1 9 ! confid5tial relations ( life4 ,i h pres5t$ ! te/imony ( 8 wife1 ! te/imony ( 8 /epmo!r1 ! te/imony ( 8 /ep-si/]1 ! te/imony ( 8 c\s91 ! te/imony ( 8 nephew1 ! te/imony ( 8 ?ree law p>tn]s1 ! te/imony ( f\r memb]s ( 8 ,cab9et1 ! te/imony ( 8 private secret>y1 ! te/imony ( 8 executor1 ! te/imony ( sev5 ( 8 biograph]s1 & ! te/imony ( _m m ( 8 mo/ intimate fri5ds bo? 9 ,ill9ois & at ,wa%+ton4 ,t he 0 n an or?odox ,*ri/ian1 z claim$1 is atte/$ by ne>ly all ( ! "o hundr$ witnesses ^: te/imony has be5 giv52 t he 0 n 9 any s5se ( ! t]m a ,*ri/ian is prov$ by ! te/imony ( a majority ( !m4 ,i affirm$ t he 0 n religi\s 9 8 y\?--t he 0 a skeptic 9 ,indiana4 ,9 pro( ( ?is ,i h adduc$ ! te/imony ( 8 /ep-"m1 ,s>ah ,l9coln2 8 /ep-si/]1 ,matilda ,moore2 8 c\s91 ,d5nis ,f4 ,hanks2 8 nephew1 ,john ,hall2 8 law p>tn]1 ,w4 ,h4 ,h]ndon1 & 8 biograph]1 ,col4 ,w>d ,h4 ,lamon4 ,i affirm$ t he 0 an ,infidel or ,free?9k]1 dur+ ! ?irty ye>s t he resid$ 9 ,ill9ois4 ,9 support ( ?is ,i h giv5 ! te/imony ( ,colonel ,lamon1 ,w4 ,h4 ,h]ndon1 ,maj4 ,john ,t4 ,/u>t1 ,col4 ,james ,h4 ,ma!ny1 ,dr4 ,c4 ,h4 ,ray1 ,w4 ,h4 ,hannah1 ,james ,w4 ,keys1 ,jesse ,w4 ,fell1 ,judge ,david ,davis1 ,wm4 ,mc,neely1 ,mr4 ,lynan1 ,wm4 ,g4 ,gre51 ,jo%ua ,f4 ,spe$1 ,gre5 ,c>u!rs1 ,squire ,p]k9s1 ,judge ,gillespie1 ,john ,decamp1 ,james ,gorley1 ,dr4 ,wm4 ,jayne1 ,jesse ,k4 ,dubois1 ,judge ,logan1 ,leon>d ,swett1 ,w4 ,h4 ,t4 ,wakefield1 ,d4 ,w4 ,wild]1 ,dr4 ,b4 ,f4 ,g>dn]1 ,j4 ,k4 ,v&em>k1 ,judge ,lea*man1 ,or9 ,b4 ,g\ld1 ,edw>d ,butl]1 ,m4 ,s4 ,g w91 ,j4 ,h4 ,*5]y1 ,j4 ,b4 ,spald+1 ,ezra ,/r+ham1 ,col4 ,r4 ,g4 ,+]soll1 ,a4 ,jeffrey1 ,dr4 ,mc,neal1 ,*>les ,mc,grew1 ,j4 ,l4 ,morrell1 ,judge ,a4 ,d4 ,norton1 ,w4 ,w4 ,p]k9s1 ,h4 ,k4 ,magie1 ,james ,tuttle1 ,leon>d ,volk1 ,col4 ,f4 ,s4 ,ru!r=d1 ,e4 ,h4 ,wood1 ,dr4 ,j4 ,j4 ,?omson1 ,a4 ,j4 ,grov]1 ,judge ,nelson1 & o!rs4 ,i affirm$ t he did n *ange 8 belief aft] leav+ ,ill9ois--t he 0 n conv]t$ to ,*ri/ianity at ,wa%+ton--t he di$ an unbeliev]4 ,9 confirmation ( ?is ,i h pres5t$ ! te/imony ( 8 wife1 ,m>y ,l9coln2 ( 8 private secret>y1 ,colonel ,nicolay2 ( 8 executor1 ,judge ,davis2 ( 8 biograph]1 ,colonel ,lamon2 & ( 8 intimate associates1 ,geo4 ,w4 ,julian1 ,john ,b4 ,alley1 ,s*uyl] ,colfax1 ,hugh ,mc,culloch1 ,a4 ,j4 ,grov]1 ,donn ,piatt1 ,judge ,nelson1 & o!rs4 ,_m ( ^! witnesses simply te/ify to 8 disbelief 9 ! ,*ri/ian sy/em z a :ole )\t ref]5ce to 8 p>ticul> views conc]n+ its individual t5ets4 ,e /atem5t ( 8 unbelief z pres5t$ 9 ! introduction has1 h[ev]1 be5 sub/antiat$ by ! te/imony ( "o or m witnesses4 ,t he did n believe 9 ! ,*ri/ian ,deity1 t he ev5 held ,agno/ic & ,a!i/ic views1 at times1 is prov$ by ! te/imony ( ,w4 ,h4 ,h]ndon1 ,colonel ,ma!ny1 ,judge ,nelson1 ,jesse ,k4 ,dubois1 & ,d4 ,w4 ,wild] ,t he 0 an ,agno/ic 9 reg>d to ! immortality ( ! s\l is atte/$ by ,e4 ,h4 ,wood1 ,judge ,nelson1 & ,w4 ,h4 ,h]ndon4 ,t he did n believe t ! ,bible is ! ^w ( ,god is affirm$ by ,colonel ,lamon1 ,john ,t4 ,/u>t1 ,judge ,ma!ny1 ,w4 ,h4 ,h]ndon1 ,jesse ,w4 ,fell1 ,d5nis ,hanks1 ,w4 ,p]k9s1 ,colonel ,ru!r=d1 & ,*amb]s' ,encyclop$ia4 ,t he did n believe t ,jesus ,*ri/ 0 ! son ( ,god is affirm$ by ,colonel ,lamon1 ,w4 ,h4 ,h]ndon1 ,jesse ,w4 ,fell4 ,colonel ,ma!ny1 ,john ,t4 ,/u>t1 ,jas4 ,w4 ,keys1 ,judge ,nelson1 ,d4 ,w4 ,wild]1 ,gre5 ,c>u!rs1 ,colonel ,ru!r=d1 ,rev4 ,j4 ,lloyd ,jones1 ,*amb]s' ,encyclop$ia1 & ! ,new ,york ,_w4 ,t he did n believe 9 a special creation1 ! /atem5ts ( ,mr4 ,h]ndon cle>ly prove4 ,t he accept$ ! !ory ( ,evolution1 s f> z ?is !ory _h be5 develop$ 9 ! ,ve/iges ( ,creation & o!r writ+s ( 8 day1 is atte/$ by ! same witness4 ,t he did n admit ! possibility ( miracles is confirm$ by ! /atem5t ( ,jesse ,w4 ,fell1 ,w4 ,p]k9s1 ,d5nis ,hanks1 & ,mr4 ,h]ndon4 ,t he reject$ ! ,*ri/ian doctr9e ( total or inh]5t depravity1 ,william ,mc,neely & ,jesse ,w4 ,fell affirm4 ,t he repudiat$ ! doctr9e ( vic>i\s atonem5t is su/a9$ by ! te/imony ( ,jesse ,w4 ,fell1 ,jo%ua ,f4 ,spe$1 ,w4 ,p]k9s1 & ,colonel ,lamon4 ,t he condemn$ ! doctr9e ( =giv5ess = s91 ,g5]al ,wild] & ,mr4 ,h]ndon bo? te/ify4 ,t he oppos$ ! doctr9e ( future rew>ds & puni%m5ts1 ,w94 ,h4 ,hannah1 ,e ,h4 ,wood1 ,a4 ,jeffrey1 ,jesse ,w4 ,fell1 & ,man=d's ,magaz9e1 all te/ify4 ,t he d5i$ ! fre$om ( ! w1 ,mr4 ,h]ndon explicitly affirms4 ,t he did n believe 9 ! efficacy ( pray] is fully e/abli%$ by ! evid5ce ( ,mrs4 ,l9coln1 ,mr4 ,h]ndon1 & ,dr4 ,g>dn]4 ,t he 0 a disciple ( ,?omas ,pa9e & ,!odore ,p>k] is %[n by ! evid5ce ( ,colonel ,lamon1 ,w4 ,h4 ,h]ndon1 ,james ,tuttle1 ,jesse ,w4 ,fell1 ,dr4 ,ray1 ,rob]t ,colly]1 ! ,new ,york ,_w1 & ,*amb]s' ,encyclop$ia4 ,t he wrote a book aga9/ ,*ri/ianity is su/a9$ by ! te/imony ( ,colonel ,ma!ny1 ,judge ,nelson1 ,w4 ,h4 ,h]ndon1 ,colonel ,lamon1 ,j4 ,b4 ,spald+1 ,a4 ,jeffrey1 ,j4 ,h4 ,*5]y1 ,*icago ,h]ald1 ,man=d's ,magaz9e1 & ,*amb]s' ,encyclop$ia4 ,t ,l9coln did n believe 9 ! inspiration ( ! ,scriptures1 t he did n believe 9 ! div9ity ( ,*ri/1 t he did n believe 9 ! fre$om ( ! w1 t he did n believe 9 future rew>ds & puni%m5ts1 t he did n believe 9 ! efficacy ( pray]1 t he 01 9 %ort1 a disbeliev] 9 ,*ri/ianity1 is also atte/$ by ! evid5ce cit$ f 8 own record$ words4 ,9 connection ) ?is controv]sy ! significance ( ! foll[+ facts _c be ov]look$3 #a4 ,not)/&+ ! /rong temptation to cr$it ,l9coln to ! popul> fai?1 a majority ( 8 biograph]s h ei!r decl>$ t he 0 n a ,*ri/ian1 or h refra9$ f affirm+ t he 04 #b4 ,! secul> press1 fe>+ to (f5d ! *ur*1 has g5]ally be5 sil5t reg>d+ ! "q4 ,:5 x has v5tur$ to express an op9ion1 h[ev]1 x has be5 to conc$e 8 unbelief4 #c4 ,! lead+ encyclop$ias1 su* z ! ,britannica1 ,*amb]s'1 ,new ,am]ican1 etc41 h ei!r admitt$ t he 0 a ,free?9k]1 or h made no ref]5ce to 8 religi\s belief4 #d4 ,9 ! ,l9coln ,memorial ,album appe> two hundr$ tributes to ,l9coln1 ! great] portion ( !m f ! p5s ( ,*ri/ians4 ,9 b two ( ^! two hundr$ tributes is x claim$ t ,l9coln 0 a believ] 9 ,*ri/ianity4 #e4 ,! ,rem9isc5ces ( ,l9coln conta9 ?irty-?ree articles on ,l9coln1 writt5 by z _m di/+ui%$ m5 :o 7 acqua9t$ ) him4 ,9 n a s+le in/ance 9 ?is "w1 is x ass]t$ t he 0 a ,*ri/ian4 #f4 ,9 none ( ! lead+ eulogies pron\nc$ ^u 8 "*1 at ! "t ( 8 demise1 is x affirm$ t he accept$ ,*ri/4 ,x is /at$ t dur+ ! la/ ye>s ( 8 life ,l9coln held sub/antially ! same !ological op9ions held by ,!odore ,p>k]4 ,8 own words are1 ref]r+ to ,p>k]3 ,i ?9k t ,i /& ab\t :]e t man /&s4 ,:]e did ,!odore ,p>k] /&8 ,! foll[+ extracts f 8 writ+s w %[3 ,to obta9 a k ( duty1 a man is n s5t away1 outside ( himself1 to anci5t docum5ts2 = ! only rule ( fai? & practice1 ! ,^w1 is v nigh him1 ev5 9 8 he>t1 & by ?is ,^w he is to try all docum5ts4 ,!re is no int]cessor1 angel1 m$iator1 betwe5 man & ,god2 = man c speak & ,god he>1 ea* = himself4 ,he requires no advocates to plead = m54 ,manly1 natural religion--x is n jo9+ ! *ur*2 x is n to believe 9 a cre$--,hebrew1 ,*ri/ian1 ,ca?olic1 ,prote/ant1 ,tr9it>ian1 ,unit>ian1 ,no?+>ian4 ,x is n to keep ,sunday idle2 to att5d meet+2 to be wet ) wat]2 to read ! ,bible2 to (f] pray]s 9 words2 to take bread & w9e 9 ! meet+-h\se2 love a scapegoat ,jesus1 or any o!r !ological claptrap4 ,if ,l9coln 0 kn[n to be a ,free?9k]1 x may be ask$ :y ?is fact 0 n m g5]ally publi%$ & urg$ aga9/ him dur+ ! ,presid5tial campaign ( #ahfj4 ,! answ] is easy4 ,8 *ief oppon5t1 ,d\glas1 0 himself a ,free?9k]4 ,/eph5 ,a4 ,d\glas1 l ,abraham ,l9coln1 di$ an unbeliev]4 ,l ,wa%+ton1 he decl9$ ! s]vices ( a cl]gyman 9 8 la/ h\rs4 ,! foll[+ is an extract f a monograph on ,! ,dea?b$ ( ,d\glas1 publi%$ 9 ! ,bo/on ,budget3 ,:5 ,/eph5 ,a4 ,d\glas lay /rick5 ) dea? at ,*icago1 8 wife1 :o 0 a dev\t ,roman ,ca?olic1 s5t = ,bi%op ,duggan1 :o ask$ :e!r he _h ev] be5 baptiz$ accord+ to ! rites ( any *ur*4 ',nev]1' repli$ ,mr4 ,d\glas4 ',d y desire to h mass said aft] ! ord9ances ( ! holy ,ca?olic *ur*8' inquir$ ! ,bi%op4 ',no1 sir6' answ]$ ,d\glas2 ':5 ,i d ,i w communicate ) y freely4' ,! ,bi%op )drew1 b ! next day ,mrs4 ,d\glas s5t = him aga91 &1 go+ to ! b$side1 he said3 ',mr4 ,d\glas1 y "k y\r own condition fully1 & 9 view ( y\r dissolution d y desire ! c]emony ( extreme unction to be p]=m$8' ',no6' repli$ ! dy+ man1 ',i h no "t to discuss ^! ?+s n[4' ,! ,bi%op left ! room1 & ,mr4 ,rhodes1 :o 0 9 att5dance1 said3 ',d y "k ! cl]gym5 ( ?is city8' ',ne>ly e "o ( !m4' ',d y wi% to h ei!r or any ( !m call to see y to conv]se on religi\s topics8' ',no1 ,i ?ank y1' 0 ! decid$ answ]4 ,among ,am]ica's mo/ em95t /atesm5 none probably ev] possess$ a m logical m9d ?an ,l9coln4 ,judge ,davis says3 ,8 m9d 0 logical & direct4 ,james ,g4 ,bla9e says3 ,8 logic 0 sev]e & faultless4 ,george ,s4 ,b\twell says3 ,he takes rank ) ! fir/ logicians & orators ( e age4 ,9 8 fun]al oration at ,spr+field1 ,bi%op ,simpson said3 ,if y ask me on :at m5tal *>act]i/ic 8 greatness re/$1 ,i answ]1 on a quick & ready p]ception ( facts2 on a memory unusually t5aci\s & ret5tive2 & on a logical turn ( m9d1 :i* foll[$ /]nly & unwav]+ly e l9k 9 ! *a9 ( ?\ght on e subject he 0 call$ to inve/igate4 ,l9coln 0 once call$ to inve/igate ! subject ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,he foll[$ /]nly & unwav]+ly e l9k 9 ! *a9 ( ?\ght sugge/$ by ?is subject1 & ! result 0 its rejection by him4 ,if he 0 subsequ5tly conv]t$ to ,*ri/ianity1 x 0 only aft] a reexam9ation & a ?or\gh & exhau/ive inve/igation ( its claims4 ,?is 8 fri5ds positively /ate nev] took place1 & ! circum/ances associat$ ) ea* & e p]iod assign$ = 8 reput$ conv]sion confirm _! /atem5ts4 ,9 #ahdh he 0 a memb] ( ,congress1 8 m9d absorb$ ) ! novelties1 ! duties1 & ! aspirations t usually att5d a fir/ t]m 9 ?is important capacity4 ,9 #aheh1 & = ye>s prec$+ & foll[+1 ! great political que/ions ( ! day occupi$ 8 m9d4 ,he 0 engag$ 9 a mortal /ruggle ) "o ( ! mo/ p[]ful intellectual a?letes ( 8 "t4 ,he 0 cont5d+ ) ,d\glas = a prize1 & t prize 0 ! ,presid5cy4 ,he mu/ be ev] on ! al]t4 ,he mu/ cru% 8 antagoni/ or 8 antagoni/ w\ld cru% him4 ,?9k ( ,l9coln sitt+ d[n 9 ! v crisis ( ?is conflict & engag+ 9 ! /udy ( !ology6 ,9 #ahfb1 & #ahfc1 ! o!r ye>s assign$ = 8 conv]sion1 he 0 9 ! mid/ ( ! great ,rebellion1 all 8 ?\ghts & all 8 en]gies enli/$ 9 ! mighty task ( sav+ ! ,union4 ,t ,l9coln 0 a ,free?9k] 9 ,ill9ois1 t he 0 = a "t a zeal\s propag&i/ ( 8 fai?1 t he 0 in/rum5tal 9 mak+ unbeliev]s ( _m ( 8 associates1 x is useless to d5y4 ,if he 0 aft]w>d conv]t$ to ,*ri/ianity1 8 fri5ds 7 ignorant ( 8 conv]sion4 ,he fail$ to notify !m ( 8 previ\s mi/ake & w>n !m ( _! imp5d+ dang]4 ,if x c\ld be %[n t he r5\nc$ 8 =m] views & became a ,*ri/ian1 ?is fact w\ld be "o ( ! mo/ damag+ argum5ts aga9/ ,*ri/ianity t c\ld be advanc$4 ,z a ,free?9k] he 0 "o ( ! mo/ t5d] & humane ( m51 ev] solicit\s = ! welf>e ( 8 fell[-be+s4 ,did ,*ri/ianity trans=m him into a selfi%1 he>tless be+1 :o coolly disreg>d$ ev5 ! et]nal welf>e ( 8 be/ & de>e/ fri5ds8 ,?9k ( a man direct+ a fri5d to take a road :i* he aft]w>d discov]s leads to c]ta9 dea?1 & !n n lift+ a f+] ( w>n+ to save him f de/ruction1 :5 x is 9 8 p[] to d s6 ,! ,free?9k] w require no o!r evid5ce to conv9ce him t ,l9coln di$ a disbeliev] ?an ! fact t he once fully inve/igat$ ?is subject & proclaim$ himself an ,infidel4 ,! m]e skeptic :o has no settl$ convictions--:o has nev] exam9$ ! evid5ces aga9/ hi/orical ,*ri/ianity--may become a s9c]e believ] 9 ! ,*ri/ian religion4 ,! confirm$ ,free?9k] nev] c1 albeit a ,?omas ,coop]1 a ,joseph ,b>k] & a ,george ,*a9ey may pr(ess to4 ,z ,col4 ,?omas ,w5twor? ,higg9son happily expresses x3 ,y may take ! rob9's egg f ! ne/ 9 yond] tree1 & s ne> is ! bird to be+ hat*$ y may crack x ) ! edge ( y\r nail1 & ! bird is free4 ,b all y\r p[]1 & all y\r pati5t fidelity1 & all ! mucilage & /ick+ pla/] y c put on x1 w nev] get t birdl+ back into t little egg aga94 ,s complete is ! s5se ( satisfaction1 su* is ! feel+ ( fre$om1 :i* comes f once f9d+ y\rself1 n m]ely out ( ^! little sect>ian names1 b out ( ! "n ( ! l>g] & gr&] sect1 :i* is ,*ri/ianity1 t y w f9d :5 ! egg is once brok51 ! bird is free =ev]4 ,f ! *ur* /ew>d's /&po9t1 !re is no?+ s desirable z ! e>ly conv]sion ( "o :o is de/9$ to become ri*4 ,f ! evangeli/'s po9t ( view1 !re is no?+ l ! dea?b$ rep5tance ( "o :o has become great4 ,_h ! bullet ( ! assass9 n imm$iately de/roy$ consci\sness1 all ^! /ories t we h he>d ab\t ,l9coln's conv]sion--! ,edw>ds /ory1 ! ,smi? /ory1 ! ,brooks /ory1 ! ,willets /ory1 ! ,v9ton /ory1 & ! /ory ( ! ,ill9ois cl]gyman--w\ld nev] h be5 inv5t$4 ,in/ead ( ^! we w\ld h ! /ory ( "s dome/ic1 or "s intrud+ prie/ :o saw him dur+ 8 dy+ h\rs4 ,a>on ,burr 0 k9d] to ! *ur* ?an ,john ,wilkes ,boo?4 ,b :atev] ! religi\s op9ions ( ,l9coln 7 :5 he di$1 :e!r he _h *ang$ 8 belief or n1 9 view ( ! fact t he nev] ?\ght en\gh ( ! *ur* to unite ) x1 ! frantic ef=ts ( cl]gym5 & *ur*-memb]s to claim him seem q uncall$ =1 if n ridicul\s4 ,! op9ion ( a writ] previ\sly quot$ 9 ?is "w1 is t ! bitt] w> wag$ aga9/ ! p]sons :o h decl>$ t ,l9coln 0 n a ,*ri/ian arises1 n f a belief t !y h /at$ :at is false1 b f a consci\sness t !y h demoli%$ an empty %r9e t 0 pr(itable to _m1 & brok5 a pa9t$ idol t might h s]v$ = a god4 ,x is /range h[ ,*ri/ians t5d t[>d feti*ism4 ,n satisfi$ ) ?ree ,gods1 !y mu/ canonize & deify m5 & make sa9ts & demi-gods4 ,!y h already deifi$ ?ree ,am]icans--,wa%+ton1 ,grant1 & ,l9coln--& :at is rem>kable1 9 ea* in/ance !y h select$ an unbeliev]--an ,infidel4 ,x is said t m5 h /ol5 ! liv]y ( heav5 9 :i* to s]ve ! devil2 b x seems h>dly consi/5t ) ! pret5sions ( ! *ur* t %e %\ld be compell$ to appropriate ! beadroll ( ,infidelity 9 ord] to make h] appe> respectable4 ,l9coln's spee*es & /ate pap]s conta9 _m allusions to ,deity4 ,z ,colonel ,lamon obs]ves1 ,^! 7 easy1 & n inconsi/5t ) 8 religi\s notions4 ,b x is a mi/ake to attribute all ! ,dei/ic expressions t appe> 9 8 /ate pap]s to him4 ,j h[ mu* ( ?is 0 ! "w ( 8 private secret>ies1 h[ mu* ( x 0 ,sew>d's nons5se1 or h[ mu* ( x 0 sugge/$ by ,*ase & o!r ,cab9et m9i/]s1 c nev] be det]m9$4 ,x is significant1 h[ev]1 t 9 ^? docum5ts ( lea/ importance1 ^? :i* he w\ld mo/ likely leave to 8 secret>ies or o!r (ficials to draft1 ^! expressions are *iefly to be f\nd4 ,9 8 debates ) ,d\glas1 & 8 o!r great political spee*es deliv]$ 9 ,ill9ois1 he seldom ref]s to ,deity4 ,9 8 c>efully prep>$ ,coop] ,in/itute address1 t model ( political addresses1 ! "n ( ,deity does n once occur4 ,9 8 ,fir/ ,inaugural ,address1 he ref]s to ,god1 & makes a complim5t>y ref]5ce to ,*ri/ianity int5d$ to conciliate ! *ur* & ga9 = 8 adm9i/ration its support 9 ! com+ /ruggle ) ! ,s\?4 ,"o p>agraph ( ! second ,inaugural conta9s allusions to ,deity & quotations f ! ,bible2 b 9 ?is address he makes no recognition ( ,*ri/ or ,*ri/ianity4 ,ev5 8 quotations f ! ,bible are made 9 a gu>d$ mann] :i* cle>ly indicates t he did n believe 9 its div9ity4 ,9 ! ,prelim9>y ,proclamation ( ,emancipation1 :i* 0 draft$ by himself1 ! "n ( ,deity does n appe>4 ,9 ! f9al ,proclamation1 an ackn[l$gm5t ( ,god 0 ins]t$ only at ! urg5t reque/ ( ,secret>y ,*ase4 ,! ,emancipation ,proclamation1 ) ! possible exception ( ! ,decl>ation ( ,indep5d5ce & ! ,con/itution ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 is ! mo/ important political docum5t ev] issu$ 9 ,am]ica4 ,he knew t ?is 0 ! cr[n+ act ( 8 c>e]1 t x w\ld place him among ! immortals4 ,9 ! prep>ation ( ?is "w he exp5d$ mu* ?\ght & labor1 & x 0 8 desire t x %\ld be free f religi\s v]biage4 ,9 t ma/]piece ( eloqu5ce1 ! ,gettysburg oration1 ! "n ( ,god occurs b once1 :ile n ! remote/ ref]5ce to ,*ri/ianity or ev5 immortality appe>s4 ,:5 we take into consid]ation ! fact t ?is address 0 made at ! d$ication ( a cemet]y1 ! significance ( ?is omission c n be ov]look$4 ,?is spee* 0 ! product ( ,l9coln's own m9d free f ! sugge/ions & em5dations ( o!rs1 & ! occasion 0 too sacr$ to indulge 9 pi\s cant 9 :i* he did n believe4 ,! cl]gy p>ade ,l9coln's recognitions ( a ,supreme ,be+ z a triumphant refutation ( ! claim t he 0 an ,infidel4 ,yet1 at ! same "t1 !y d n hesitate to d5\nce z ,infidels1 ,pa9e & ,voltaire1 :5 !y "k1 or ought to "k1 t two m pr(\nd & rev]5tial believ]s 9 ,god nev] liv$ & wrote ?an ,pa9e & ,voltaire4 ,if ,infidelity & ,a!ism 7 synonym\s t]ms x w\ld be difficult to ma9ta9 t ,l9coln1 dur+ ! la/ ye>s ( 8 life at lea/1 0 an ,infidel4 ,b ,infidelity & ,a!ism are n synonym\s t]ms4 ,an ,a!i/ is an ,infidel1 b an ,infidel is n necess>ily an ,a!i/4 ,a ,presbyt]ian is a ,*ri/ian1 b all ,*ri/ians are n ,presbyt]ians4 ,*ri/ians !mselves co9$ ! ^w ,infidel1 & !y h us$ x to d5ote a disbeliev] 9 ,*ri/ianity4 ,a disbelief or d5ial ( ,*ri/ianity is n necess>ily a d5ial ( ,god4 ,*ri/ians1 _m ( !m1 reg>d ! t]m z odi\s & z c>ry+ ) x ! idea ( immorality1 not)/&+ ! mo/ intellig5t & ! mo/ highly moral class 9 ,*ri/5dom are ^! s-call$ ,infidels4 ,:o are to-day's ,infidels8 says ! ,rev4 ,william ,ohann+ ,gannett4 ,he answ]s3 ,v _m ( ! brighte/ m9ds1 ! w>me/ he>ts1 ! mo/ loyal consci5ces1 ! mo/ zeal\s seek]s aft] ,god1 ! mo/ hone/ tell]s ( :at !y f9d--yes1 & ! mo/ successful f9d]s4 ,infidels to :at are !y8 ,n to morality3 ,infidels to morality are too wise to tra9 ) !m4 ,x is n claim$ t ,l9coln 0 :olly free f a belief 9 ! sup]natural4 ,he possess$ 9 "s respects a simple1 *ildlike nature1 & c>ri$ ) him ?r\gh life "s ( ! sup]/itions ( *ildhood4 ,b ! dogmas ( ,*ri/ianity 7 n among !m2 ^! he _h exam9$ & disc>d$4 ,z a pro( ( ,l9coln's reg>d = ,*ri/ian in/itutions1 great prom95ce is giv5 to 8 proclamation to ! army enjo9+ ! obs]vance ( ! ,sabba?4 ,?is docum5t gives expression to s5tim5ts reg>d+ ! sanctity ( ! ,*ri/ian ,sabba? t ,l9coln p]sonally did n ent]ta94 ,x 0 issu$ to appease ! clamor ( ! cl]gy :o dem&$ x1 & 0 draft$1 n by ,l9coln1 b by "s pi\s ,sabbat>ian4 ,l9coln himself atta*$ no m sanctity to ,sunday ?an to o!r days4 ,he work$ on ,sunday himself4 ,9 ,spr+field 8 ,sundays 7 frequ5tly sp5t 9 prep>+ cases = c\rt4 ,9 company ) 8 boys he (t5 pass$ ! entire day mak+ excursions into ! c\ntry or rambl+ ?r\gh ! woods t skirt$ ! ,sangamon4 ,he seldom w5t to *ur* ei!r 9 ,spr+field or ,wa%+ton1 ! claims ( "s ( 8 ,*ri/ian biograph]s to ! contr>y not)/&+4 ,previ\s to 8 nom9ation1 9 #ahfj1 we f9d him sitt+ = a bu/ on ,sunday 9 pref]5ce to att5d+ *ur*4 ,on ! ,sunday imm$iately foll[+ 8 nom9ation an arti/ 0 busy ) him mold+ 8 h&s & tak+ negatives = a /atue4 ,! draft ( ! prelim9>y ,proclamation ( ,emancipation 0 f9i%$ on ,sunday4 ,! la/ ,sunday ( 8 life 0 sp5t1 n 9 /udy+ ! ,scriptures1 b 9 read+ 8 belov$ ,%akesp]e4 ,x 0 /at$ by fri5ds ( ,l9coln t he g5]ally refra9$ f giv+ publicity to 8 religi\s op9ions :ile 9 public life because ( _! unpopul>ity4 ,9 answ] to ?is ! ,*ri/ian claimant retorts3 ,if ?is be true !n he 0 a hypocrite4 ,b let u be hone/4 ,ne>ly e p]son ent]ta9s op9ions :i* he does n deem x discreet or necess>y to make public4 ,y1 my ,*ri/ian fri5d1 ent]ta9 d\bts & h]esies conc]n+ y\r cre$ :i* y keep a secret or disclose only to y\r mo/ intimate associates4 ,if y1 9 private life1 & n dep5d5t ^u ! public1 hide y\r unpopul> ?\ghts f ! _w1 c y consi/5tly blame ,l9coln = 8 sil5ce :5 ! fate ( a nation dep5d$ ^u him & ! ali5ation ev5 ( a few bigots might turn ! scales aga9/ him8 ,a ,*ri/ian g5]al does n hesitate to deceive ! enemy or )hold 8 plans ev5 f 8 own soldi]s4 ,aga91 ! cl]gy are =ev] advis+ & entreat+ m5 n to publi% _! d\bts & h]esies4 ,is x consi/5t 9 !m to condemn a man = foll[+ _! advice8 ,! *ur* %\ld le>n to respect hone/y h]self be=e %e *>ges o!rs ) di%one/y4 ,x is ! %ame ( ,*ri/ianity t m5 h be5 oblig$ to conceal _! hone/ convictions 9 ord] to escape o/racism & p]secution4 ,:5 ! *ur* h]self becomes hone/ en\gh to tol]ate & respect ! hone/ op9ions ( ^? :o _c consci5ti\sly accept h] cre$1 !n w x be "t = h] to *>ge ,l9coln ) hypocrisy = hav+ p>tially )held 8 unpopul> views f religi\s ruffians4 ,x does n ev9ce a want ( hone/y1 nor ev5 a lack ( moral c\rage1 to flee f a tig] or avoid a skunk4 ,to d good 0 ,l9coln's religion4 ,to live an hone/1 manly life--to add to ! sum ( human happ9ess--to make ! _w bett] = 8 hav+ liv$--?is 0 ! aspiration ( 8 life & ! ess5ce ( 8 fai?4 ,9 y\?1 ! meane/ creature f\nd 9 him a fri5d1 & if ne$ be1 a def5d]4 ,he wrote essays & made spee*es aga9/ cruelty to animals1 & s\ght to impress ^u 8 playmates' m9ds ! sacr$ness ( life4 ,! same t5d] reg>d = ! weak & un=tunate *>act]iz$ 8 manhood4 ,:il/ rid+ ?r\gh a =e/ once ) a p>ty ( fri5ds1 he saw a brood ( "y birds on ! gr\nd :i* a /orm _h bl[n f _! ne/4 ,he dism\nt$ f 8 horse1 & aft] a labori\s se>*1 f\nd ! ne/ & plac$ ! birdl+s snugly 9 _! little home4 ,:5 he rea*$ 8 companions1 & 0 *id$ by !m = 8 delay1 he said3 ,i c\ld n h slept to-night if ,i _h n giv5 ^? birds to _! "m4 ,! n>ration ( 8 _m de$s ( k9dness & m]cy :ile at ,wa%+ton w\ld fill a volume4 ,he lov$ to rescue an err+ soldi] boy f ! jaws ( dea? & fill a "m's eyes ) te>s ( joy4 ,he lov$ to dispel ! cl\ds ( sorr[ f a wife's sad he>t & w>m x ) ! sun%9e ( happ9ess4 ,he lov$ to take ! *ild ( pov]ty ^u 8 knee & plant )9 its little brea/ ! se$s ( confid5ce & hope4 ,a giant 9 /ature1 & a lion 9 /r5g? & c\rage1 he possess$ ! g5tl5ess ( a *ild & ! t5d]ness ( a woman4 ,! suff]+s1 ev5 ( a /rang]1 w\ld fill 8 eyes ) te>s1 & ! dea? ( a fri5d w\ld ov]:elm him4 ,9 8 t5? ye> 8 "m di$1 & = a "t 8 he>t 0 desolate & he c\ld n be consol$4 ,9 8 fifte5? ye> 8 only si/]1 a lovely1 fragile fl[]1 j bloom+ into womanhood1 droop$ & di$1 & life seem$ purposeless to him aga94 ,( 8 f\r *ildr51 two di$ :ile he 0 liv+--,eddie1 a fair-hair$ babe1 & 8 belov$ ,willie4 ,:5 dea? took ^! 8 sorr[ 0 unutt]able4 ,! untimely dea? ( 8 "y fri5d1 ! gallant ,colonel ,ellswor?1 at ,alex&ria1 & ! dea? ( 8 life-long fri5d1 ! lam5t$ ,edw9 ,f4 ,bak]1 at ,ball's ,bluff1 7 bl[s t /agg]$ him4 ,at ! dea? ( 8 good fri5d1 ,b[l9 ,gre51 he 0 *os5 to deliv] a fun]al address4 ,:5 ! h\r arriv$1 & he /epp$ =w>d to p]=m ! sacr$ task1 8 eyes fell ^u ! c(f9 ( 8 dead fri5d & = a "t he /ood transfix$--helpless & spee*less4 ,! only tribute he c\ld pay 0 ! tribute ( 8 te>s4 ,:5 he turn$ = ! la/ "t f ! b$side ( ! beautiful ,ann ,rut-l$ge1 8 betro!d1 x 0 ) a brok5 he>t & a m9d de?ron$4 ,oh6 ,i c nev] be reconcil$ to h ! sn[1 ! ra91 & ! /orm beat ^u h] grave1 0 ! pitiful burd5 ( 8 pla9t = weeks4 ,reason aft] a "t return$1 b 8 wont$ gladness nev]2 & d[n ?r\gh all ^? ev5tful ye>s to t fatal ,april night :5 8 own sweet life-blood sl[ly ooz$ away1 b5ea? t sp>kl+ surface ( feign$ mir?1 drift$ ! memory & ! agonies ( t great grief4 ,9 ! social relations ( life1 he 0 a mo/ exempl>y man4 ,he 0 a devot$ husb&1 an indulg5t fa!r1 an oblig+ neighbor1 & a fai?ful fri5d4 ,mrs4 ,colonel ,*apman1 a lady :o liv$ = a "t 9 8 family1 pays ?is tribute to 8 private life3 ,he 0 all t a husb&1 fa!r1 & neighbor %\ld be1 k9d & affectionate to 8 wife & *ild1 & v pleasant to all ar\nd him4 ,nev] did ,i he> him utt] an unk9d ^w4 ,8 devotion to wife & *ildr51 says ,george ,w4 ,julian1 0 z abid+ & unb\nd$ z 8 love ( c\ntry4 ,! /rong atta*m5t always manife/$ by him = 8 fri5ds has (t5 be5 rem>k$4 ,ri* & poor1 great & humble1 all 7 equally de> to him & alike ! recipi5ts ( 8 reg>d & love4 ,! pr9ce he treat$ l a man1 ! humble/ man he treat$ l a pr9ce4 ,no?+ 9 8 c>e] exhibits ! greatness & nobl5ess ( 8 "* 9 a l(ti] degree ?an ! cordial & unaffect$ mann] 9 :i*1 at ,wa%+ton1 9 ! mid/ ( weal?1 & spl5dor1 & ref9em5t1 he 0 accu/om$ to receive & ent]ta9 ! pla91 uncultur$ fri5ds ( o!r days4 ,^u 8 rugg$ hone/y1 ,i ne$ n dwell4 ,! sobriquet ( ,hone/ ,abe 0 e>ly won by him & nev] lo/4 ,9 8 pr(ession--a pr(ession 9 :i*1 too (t51 cunn+ & deceit1 falsehood & di%one/y1 are ! means1 & robb]y ! end--a pr(ession 9 :i*1 too (t51 ,inju/ice is a purpl$ ,dives sitt+ at a b\nte\s bo>d1 & ,ju/ice1 a ragg$ ,laz>us ly+ at ! gate--he nev] wav]$ 9 8 loyalty to tru?1 to ju/ice1 & to hone/y4 ,engag$ 9 a j cause1 he 0 "o ( ! mo/ p[]ful advocates t ev] address$ a judge or jury2 engag$ 9 an unju/ cause1 he 0 ! weake/ memb] ( 8 b>4 ,9 fact1 he c\ld n be induc$ to plead a cause 9 :i* he did n see "s elem5t ( ju/ice1 ev5 ?\gh ! te*nicalities ( law insur$ success4 ,to "o :o _h s\ght 8 s]vices & _h /at$ 8 case1 he repli$3 ,yes1 ,i c w9 x2 b !re are "s ?+s legally "r t are n morally "r2 ?is is "o3 ,i _c take y\r case4 ,he 0 once employ$ to def5d a p]son accus$ ( murd]4 ,z ! trial progress$1 x became app>5t to him t 8 cli5t _h done ! de$4 ,turn+ to 8 associate c\nsel1 ) a look ( disappo9tm5t & pa91 he said3 ,swett1 ! man is guilty2 y def5d him2 ,i _c4 ,on ano!r occasion1 :5 he discov]$ t 8 cli5t _h grossly impos$ ^u 8 confid5ce & in/itut$ an unju/ suit1 he left ! c\rt-room1 & :5 ! bailiff call$ = him1 he answ]$3 ,tell ,judge ,treat t ,i c't come2 ,i h to wa% my h&s4 ,he 0 ! mo/ magnanim\s ( m54 ,william ,h4 ,sew>d1 8 *ief oppon5t = ! ,presid5tial nom9ation1 he made ! ,premi] ( 8 ,cab9et4 ,secret>y ,*ase became 8 political1 if n 8 p]sonal1 enemy4 ,yet1 recogniz+ 8 fitness = ! place1 he waiv$ all p]sonal grievances & appo9t$ him to ! exalt$ position ( ,*ief ,ju/ice ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 ! highe/ gift )9 ! p[] ( a ,presid5t to be/[4 ,dur+ 8 pr(essional c>e] he 0 s5t to ,c9c9nati to assi/ ,edw9 ,m4 ,/anton 9 an important legal case4 ,! grim ,/anton _h nev] met ?is pla91 ,we/]n lawy] be=e1 & displeas$ at 8 unc\? appe>ance1 & app>5t lack ( ability1 treat$ him s disc\rte\sly t ,l9coln's self-respect compell$ him to practically )draw f ! case4 ,x 0 a brutal affront1 too poignant = him ev] to =get1 b n to =give1 & l9k$ toge!r on "o ( ! mo/ mom5t\s pages ( hi/ory /& ! names ( ,l9coln & ,/anton1 an endur+ witness to 8 sublime magnanimity4 ,! murd] ( ?is lov+ savior ( our ,union 0 a disa/r\s bl[1 n to ! victori\s ,nor? alone1 b to ! vanqui%$ ,s\? z well4 ,c\ld he h liv$1 ! balm ( 8 great1 k9dly nature w\ld h quickly heal$ ! nation's w\nds4 ,at ! comm5cem5t ( ! conflict1 9 plead+ tones1 he said3 ,we are n enemies1 b fri5ds4 ,& at its close1 not)/&+ all ! cruel1 bitt] angui% he _h endur$ dur+ ^? f\r long ye>s ( fratricidal /rife1 ,) malice t[>d none1 ) *>ity = all1 he di$1 & _m a brave ,conf$]ate deplor$ ,! deep damnation ( 8 tak+ (f4 ,:5 ,/onewall ,jackson di$1 he paid a t\*+ tribute to 8 gallantry1 & said3 ,let u =get 8 errors ov] 8 fre%-made grave4 9 ! d>kness ( night1 on a bloody field ( ! ,p59sula1 he b5t beside ! pro/rate =m ( a dy+ soldi] ( ! ,s\?1 & :ile ! hot te>s roll$ d[n 8 furr[$ *eeks1 soo!d him ) words ( t5d]-e/ sympa?y1 &1 by ! dim rays ( a lant]n1 took d[n f 8 lips a message to 8 "m1 & s5t x by a flag ( truce into ! enemies' l9es to be transmitt$ to 8 home4 ,glori\s apo/le ( humanity6 ,:5 %all we look ^u 8 l aga98 s hone/1 s tru?ful1 s j1 s *>itable1 s lov+1 s m]ciful6 ,law 0 8 ,god1 ju/ice 8 cre$1 & lib]ty 8 heav54 ,if he s9n$1 m]cy prompt$ him4 ,9 ! pres5ce ( su* a man1 & 9 ! pres5ce ( su* a religion1 h[ contemptible y\r puny !ologians & _! n>r[ cre$s appe>6 ,born 9 ! cab9 ( a ,we/]n wild1 dy+ 9 a nation's capital1 its honor$ *ief1 en%r9$ 9 ! he>ts ( an admir+ _w1 ,abraham ,l9coln /&s to-day ! g5tle/1 pure/1 noble/ "* 9 human hi/ory4 ,mill5niums may pass away1 unnumb]$ g5]ations come & g1 cre$s rise & fall2 b ! div9e fai? ( ,fre$om's m>tyr--a fai? bas$ ^u immutable law1 et]nal ju/ice1 univ]sal lib]ty--a fai? =mulat$ n 9 p]i%able words1 b 9 immortal de$s1 w live ?r\gh all ! ye>s to come1 a tor* ( hope to e son ( toil4