,libr>ies47              ,,abraham      
,,l9coln',s ,,c>d9al ,,traits       ,a  
,,/udy ,,9 ,,e?ics      ,,) ,,an        
,,epilogue ,,address$ ,,to ,,!ologians  
,,by     ,c4 ,s4 ,,be>dslee             
,,bo/on3 ,,ri*>d ,g4 ,,badg]     ,,!    
,,gorham ,,press      ,,! ,,copp ,,cl>k 
,,co41 ,,limit$     ,,toronto           
,copyright #aiad1 by ,c4 ,s4 ,be>dslee  
,all rights res]v$      ,! ,gorham      
,press1 ,bo/on1 ,u4 ,s4 ,a4       ,to my
 si/] ,alice--     ,a liv+ bl5d     ,(  
love & loyalty1     ,( mode/y & immortal
 hope4     ,,preface   ,abraham ,l9coln 
0 a man among m54 ,he 0 e>ne/ & ke54 ,he
 0 hone/ & k9d4 ,he 0 humble & inw>dly  
ref9$4 ,he 0 a freeman 9 v de$4 ,8      
consci5ce 0 k+4  ,^! few words conta9 ! 
total sum ( ! foll[+ book4 ,9 unfold+   
:at !y sev]ally mean1 & :at _! liv+     
unison implies1 ! aim has be5 to br+ to 
view ! cle> & simple beauty ( a noble   
p]sonality2 to %[ h[ su* a human life   
conta9s ! f9al te/ ( any prop] claim 9  
all ! b\nds ( ,e?ical rese>*2 & to /ir 9

 ?\ghtful m9ds ! qu]y :e!r su* a "* z   
,l9coln's life displays1 in/9ct z x is )
 ,godl9ess1 may n yield =ms ( /atem5t   
ample & exact en\gh = all ! ess5tial    
=mulas ( pure ,religion4  ,assur$ly 8   
aspirations 7 ideal4 ,q z c]ta9ly 8 ways
 ) m5 7 practical4 ,! call & ne$ today (
 j 8 qualities are pa/ debate4  ,if only
 9 our national s5ate *amb] ! ev]-%ift+ 
gr\p ( s5ators c\ld he> ! voice (       
,l9coln at e roll-call & 9 ea* debate6  
,if only 9 all our univ]sities our      
/udi\s y\? c\ld glean ea* day f ,l9coln1
 z he speaks ( politics & ( logic1 (    
e?ics & ( hi/ory6 ,if only 9 e editorial
 room1 :]e curr5t ev5ts are regi/]$ &   
review$1 ,l9coln's wit & wisdom might   
illum9e & advise6 ,if only at e c\ncil1 
conf]5ce1 or conv5tion1 :]e lead]s ( our
 *ur*es debate religi\s !mes1 ! rev]5ce 
( ,l9coln might preside6 ,if only 9 !   
c\ncil *amb]s :]e directors meet to plan
 & gov]n our mod]n ent]prises 9 indu/ry 
& f9ance1 ,l9coln's broad human5ess     
might be felt6 ,if only e arti/ at 8    

exalt$ & elusive task c\ld e day obta9  
new views ( ,l9coln's full nobility6 ,if
 only toil]s 9 ! %op & field c\ld feel  
ea* day ! fri5dly bro!rhood 9 ,l9coln's 
r\gh1 h>d h&6  ,!n toil1 :ile los+      
naught ( eag]ness1 w\ld become cont5t4  
,art1 :ile los+ naught ( beauty1 w\ld   
become unfail+ly ennobl+4 ,comm]ce1 :ile
 los+ naught ( ent]prise1 w\ld gr[      
b5ign4 ,religion1 :ile reta9+ a becom+  
dignity1 w\ld n fail to be s9c]e4 ,!    
public press w\ld gr[ m savory & sane4  
,our s*ools w\ld be nurs]ies ( manl9ess4
 ,& our consci5ce w\ld be embodi$ 9 our 
law4  ,b ,l9coln's face is vani%$4      
,l9coln's voice is hu%$4 ,:at rema9s is 
t ,l9coln's s5tim5ts be republi%$ e day 
9 lives t rev]5ce & reproduce 8         
excell5ce4 ,to indicate ?is pa?1 to     
embold5 & embody ?is aspiration is !    
s]vice ?is volume und]takes4  ,?r\gh\t  
?is /udy1 ?\ght is fa/5$ c5trally ^u    
,l9coln's la/ inaugural address4 ,!re   
,l9coln /&s complete4 ,& t complet5ess  
is vividly consci\s 9 ,l9coln's own     

und]/&+4 ,elev5 days aft] its deliv]y1 &
 "o mon? be=e 8 dea?1 he wrote to ,?url[
 ,we$1 say+ t he expect$ t spee* to we> 
z well z--p]haps bett] ?an--any?+ ,i h  
produc$4 ,( almo/ incr$ible brevity1    
conta9+ z x left 8 h&s1 b five %ort     
p>agraphs1 ! compass & burd5 ( ?\ght )9 
t address are e way notable4 ,x is 9    
fact ,l9coln's dige/ ( ! c\rse & tr5d ( 
our national life2 :ile on ! side ( "* x
 is replete ) tell+ intimations (       
,l9coln's own moral ef=t1 purpose1 &    
po9t ( view4 ,"h are 9 visible action   
all ! elem5ts ( ess5tial manhood1 all ! 
virtues ( a balanc$ "*4 ,"h are insight1
 judgm5t1 resolution4 ,"h is mom5tum4   
,"h is some?+ t endures4 ,"h are ends   
wor? any co/4 ,"h is w>ie/ use ( means4 
,& "h are wrongs1 eng5d]+ angui%1 &     
mortal /rife4 ,& "h are ultimate        
alt]natives4 ,& all is grasp$ & ev5 m]g$
 9 ,l9coln z he speaks4 ,"h is weal? (  
ready matt] & direct allusion q en\gh = 
any volume to lay op5 & assess4  ,su* a 
moral inv5tory & evaluation ?is /udy    

und]takes4 ,its me?od is to subject ?is 
%ort address to ! /ricte/ e?ical        
analysis1 to id5tify ! elem5ts t are    
integral & c>d9al 9 ! moral be+ ( ,god1 
& man1 & gov]nm5t4 ,!n1 to articulate & 
unify ^! elem5ts into a vital e?ical    
syn!sis1 to demon/rate & manife/ ! liv+ 
unison ( "*4 ,!n1 to designate &        
und]take to cl>ify ! major problems :i* 
su* an analysis & su* a syn!sis ( su* a 
spee* & su* a man op5 to a /ud5t's m9d4 
,9 ?is proc$ure x is ! aim to %[ h[ f   
fir/ to la/ 9 ,l9coln's life 8 m5tal    
cl>ity & 8 moral hone/y are held 9 model
 p>ity2 h[ 9 8 daily walk law & lib]ty g
 h& 9 h&2 h[ 8 c>d9al moral qualities   
are to be def9$2 & h[ ^! elem5tal       
virtues may avail 9 _! own au?ority & "r
 to guide ! eyes ( m5 t[>ds beauty1 to  
gu>d ! s\ls ( m5 aga9/ despair1 to f9d !
 /able base ( gov]nm5t1 to ov]come all  
guilt by grace1 to prove ! p]fect       
manl9ess ( pati5ce1 to gr\nd ! ?\ght (  
m5 ^u reality1 to pi]ce ! gloom ( woe1  
to f9d ! core ( piety1 to p]fect        

p]suasive spee*1 & to w9 a vision ( !   
s\l4 ,h]eby & ?us x may at la/ /& pla9 t
 9 ! s\l ( ,l9coln !re is a moral       
univ]se2 & t )9 ! v]ities & my/]ies (   
?is univ]se he alone is truly wise &    
fully free :o kn[s & proves ! wor? (    
fai?4  ,t s broad a /udy %\ld be bas$ ^u
 s brief a spee*1 or inde$ ^u ,l9coln's 
s+le p]sonality1 may seem to "s a fatal 
fault4 ,su* a ?\ght1 :5 fac+ su* a me?od
 & su* a !me1 is surely natural4 ,z to  
its validity !re ne$ be no debate4 ,!   
field is free4 ,let any numb] ( o!r     
spee*es1 or ( o!r p be assembl$ & plac$ 
beside ! mat]ial h&l$ 9 ?is book1 = its 
re-exam9ation4 ,9 su* a process1 ! fur!r
 x is pursu$1 if only ,l9coln & ! words 
( ?is inaugural are also held 9 ?or\gh &
 cont9ual review1 x may come ! m fully  
cle> t 9 a !me l e?ics m]e multitude is 
n ! measure ( imm5sity2 t ! /ructure (  
?is book is organic1 n me*anical2 t !   
s+le *apt] on ,l9coln's ,moral ,unison  
compreh5ds all t ! volume any:]e conta9s
 or intimates2 t all ! problems h&l$ 9  

,"p ,,iv are only sample /udies1 & h&l$ 
only sugge/ively2 t ! volume might be   
exp&$ indef9itely or mu* r$uc$1 & its   
significance rema9 9 ei!r case un*ang$2 
t correspond+ly ,l9coln's la/ inaugural 
& ,l9coln's public life1 ea* & bo?1     
outl9e 9 v de$ a moral univ]se2 t to    
rightly und]/& ?is s+le "* & ?is "o     
address is to und]/& humanity1 & id5tify
 ! e?ical f9alities2 t to scan ! s\l (  
,l9coln 9 8 religi\s attitudes is to    
gaze ^u ,god's image1 & face ! reality &
 ! rationale ( ! true religi\s life2 &  
t1 9 consequ5ce1 any read] :o hesitates 
to v5ture su* va/ conclusions ^u s scant
 mat]ial may f9ally be induc$ to submit 
to a sub/antial remeasurem5t 8 pres5t   
e/imates ( brevity & bread?4            
,,cont5ts       ,,"p ,i4 ,,introduction 
,l9coln's ,m5tal ,en]gy      ,l9coln's  
,moral ,e>ne/ness       ,,"p ,,ii4      
,,analysis      ,8 ,rev]5ce =           
,law--,consci5ce      ,8 ,jeal\sy =     
,lib]ty--,free-w      ,8                
,k9dl9ess--,love        ,8              

,pur5ess--,life                         
,! ,c>d9al ,virtues     ,8              
,con/ancy--,tru?        ,8              
,humility--,wor?           ,,"p ,,iii4  
,,syn!sis      ,l9coln's ,moral ,unison 
,,"p ,,iv4 ,,/udies      ,8             
,symmetry--,! ,problem ( ,beauty      ,8
 ,composure--,! ,problem ( ,pessimism   
,8 ,au?ority--,! ,problem ( ,gov]nm5t   
,8 ,v]satility--,! ,problem ( ,m]cy     
,8 ,pati5ce--,! ,problem ( ,meekness    
,8 ,rise f ,pov]ty--,! ,problem (       
,indu/rialism      ,8 ,philosophy--,!   
,problem ( ,reality      ,8 ,!odicy--,! 
,problem ( ,evil      ,8 ,piety--,!     
,problem ( ,religion      ,8 ,logic--,! 
,problem ( ,p]suasion      ,8           
,p]sonality--,! ,problem ( ,psy*ology   
,,"p ,v4 ,,conclusion      ,l9coln's ,"*
      ,l9coln's ,pref]5ce      ,,an     
,,epilogue--,address$ to ,!ologians     
,,la/ ,,inaugural ,,address             
,,l9coln',s ,,c>d9al ,,traits     ,,"p  
,i4 ,,introduction   ,,l9coln',s ,,m5tal
 ,,en]gy  ,9 e?ics1 if any:]e1 a ma/]   

ne$s to be m5tally sane & /rong4 ,tru?  
_c be trifl$ ) "h4 ,error "h1 :e!r 9    
judgm5t or z to fact1 is fatal4 ,insight
 to exactly disc]n1 & balance to        
consid]ately comp>e mu/ be ! m5tal      
in/9cts ( a morali/4  ,h[ 0 ?is )       
,l9coln8 ,:at 0 8 outfit & :at 8        
discipl9e m5tally8 ,0 he unfail+ly      
%rewd8 ,0 he suffici5tly sage8 ,0 he by 
in/9ct & by habit truly an explor] & a  
philosoph]8 ,did he h 9 /ore1 & did he h
 9 h&1 ! ne$ful weal? ( p]t95t facts8   
,_h he ! logical /r5g? & bread? to set  
!m all 9 ord] & to see !m all z "o8     
,su* inquiries are sev]e--too sev]e to  
be press$ or fac$ by anyone 9 ha/e4 ,b 9
 ?is /udy ( ,l9coln su* inquiries are n 
to be escap$4 ,to fairly answ] !m is    
wor? to any man ! toil ( _m days4 ,= j z
 surely z su* rese>* is resolutely pu%$ 
?r\gh all its c\rse1 ! eye w come to see
 :]e wisdom dwells1 & to le>n :at m5tal 
judgm5t & m5tal insight truly mean4 ,& x
 w gr[ cle> z day t ,l9coln m5tally1 z  
well z physically1 0 no weakl+2 t 9     

intellect1 z 9 /ature1 he /&s among !   
fir/4  ,9 _m places ?is /&s cle>4 ,!re  
is no bett] way to trace x out ?an to   
/>t f 8 la/ inaugural4 ,to fully explore
 "o s+le p>agraph ( ?is address1 !      
p>agraph ) :i* x op5s1 w make "o's      
exam9ation ( ,l9coln's m5tal compet5ce  
all b complete4 ,its op5+ s5t5ce alludes
 to 8 fir/ inaugural4 ,t "o allusion w  
repay pursuit4  ,!re ,l9coln assum$ !   
presid5cy4 ,9 t act & "u t oa? he /epp$ 
to ! executive head%ip ( ! ,republic4   
,by t /ep he fac$ sev5 /ates 9          
secession4 ,x 0 a civil crisis1 nev] "o 
m grave1 or d>k1 or om9\s4 ,x ?reat5$ to
 subv]t our national hi/ory & to und]m9e
 our national hope4 ,x 0 cr[d+ on t[>ds 
bloody w> a debate t dealt ) ! v basis (
 manhood 9 m54 ,to see ! mean+ ( t      
crisis & to gov]n its issue requir$ an  
eye & a m9d ( ,godlike vision & poise4  
,"h is an excell5t place to exam9e !    
outfit & ! action ( ,l9coln's intellect4
 ,8 fir/ inaugural is a ma/]piece (     
intellectual equipoise & en]gy4 ,any m9d

 t w fa/5 firmly ^u ! sub/ance & !      
sequ5ce ( its ?\ght may feel di/9ctly ! 
/ruggle1 & ! /r5g?1 & ! /ead9ess (      
,l9coln's m9d4 ,8 argum5ts & 8          
admonitions are impressive models (     
sanity & p[]4 ,:i* is ! m notable1 8    
insight or 8 outlook1 x is h>d to tell4 
,! m>vel is t ! sob]ness & ! =ce ( 8    
appeal re/ q z firmly ^u ! prophetic z  
^u ! hi/oric base4 ,s cle> is 8 grasp ( 
! pa/1 s sure is 8 s5se ( ! pres5t1 & s 
delib]ate is ! poise ( 8 judicial ?\ght 
t 8 vision into ! future has be5 f\nd by
 "t to be un]r+ly true4  ,let any /ud5t 
put ?is to te/4 ,t address is an appeal4
 ,f beg9n+ to end x pleads4 ,set all its
 p>ts asund]4 ,!n b9d !m all toge!r z   
,l9coln has done4 ,& s f9d out :at are  
its elem5ts2 :5ce !y are ga!r$2 :at is  
fact2 :at is pr9ciple2 :at is prophecy2 
on :at plan !y are assembl$2 by :at art 
!y are display$2 to :at !y owe _! =ce2  
if 9 any spot ( its argum5t !re is a    
break2 & if ! onset ( ! :ole is         
irresi/ible4 ,di/9ct replies to ^!      

di/9ct inquiries w tell "o all he ne$s  
to "k ab\t ,l9coln's m5tal /r5g?4 ,)\t  
w&]+ any fur!r "o c f9d t ,l9coln's     
me?ods & conque/s atte/ a /ud5t's       
pati5ce1 & a s*ol>'s p[]2 t 8 wisdom 0  
ripe1 entirely adequate to devise safe  
c\nsel = a ,nation 9 civil /rife4  ,a   
/rik+ feature ( ! address is its        
philosophic f9i%4 ,?\gh solidly set 9   
concrete facts1 & fitt$ ideally to ! day
 ( its deliv]y1 x is replete ) c\nsel   
good = e "t1 s phras$ z to become ! v   
prov]bs ( civil politics4 ,total        
p>agraphs are little m ?an clu/]$       
apo!gms ( consummate /atesman%ip4 ,to   
get ! /yle & ca/ ( ,l9coln's m9d let any
 /ud5t compreh5d ! gir?1 & pond] !      
weight ( ea* foll[+ s5t5ce1 all ga!r$ f 
?is "o address3--  ,! int5tion ( !      
lawgiv] is ! law4  ,i hold t 9          
contemplation ( univ]sal law1 & ( !     
,con/itution1 ! ,union ( ^! ,/ates is   
p]petual4  ,p]petuity is impli$1 if n   
express$1 9 ! fundam5tal law ( all      
national gov]nm5ts4  ,x is safe to ass]t

 t no gov]nm5t prop] ev] _h a provision 
9 its organic law = its own t]m9ation4  
,cont9ue to execute all ! express       
provisions ( our national ,con/itution1 
& ! ,union w endure =ev]4  ,c a contract
 be peaceably unmade by less ?an all !  
p>ties :o made x8  ,t 9 legal           
contemplation ! ,union is p]petual is   
confirm$ by ! hi/ory ( ! ,union itself4 
,no ,/ate ^u its own m]e motion c       
lawfully get out ( ! ,union4  ,?9k1 if y
 c1 ( a s+le in/ance 9 :i* a pla9ly     
writt5 provision has ev] be5 d5i$4  ,all
 ! vital rights ( m9orities & (         
individuals are s pla9ly assur$ to !m by
 affirmations & negations1 gu>antees &  
provisions 9 ! ,con/itution1 t          
controv]sies nev] arise conc]n+ !m4  ,if
 ! m9ority w n acquiesce1 ! majority    
mu/1 or ! gov]nm5t mu/ cease4  ,if a    
m9ority 9 su* case w sec$e r ?an        
acquiesce1 !y make a prec$5t :i* 9 turn 
w divide & ru9 !m4  ,pla9ly ! c5tral    
idea ( secession is ! ess5ce ( an>*y4   
,a majority1 held 9 re/ra9t by          

con/itutional *ecks & limitations1 &    
always *ang+ easily ) delib]ate *anges (
 popul> op9ions & s5tim5ts1 is ! only   
true sov]eign ( a free p4  ,unanimity is
 impossible4  ,"o section ( our c\ntry  
believes slav]y is "r & ought to be     
ext5d$1 :ile ! o!r believes x is wrong &
 ought n to be ext5d$4 ,?is is ! only   
sub/antial dispute4  ,physically speak+ 
we _c sep>ate4  ,c ali5s make treaties  
easi] ?an fri5ds c make laws8  ,c       
treaties be m fai?fully en=c$ betwe5    
ali5s ?an laws among fri5ds8  ,suppose y
 g to w>1 y _c fight always4  ,?is      
c\ntry1 ) its in/itutions1 belongs to ! 
p :o inh]it x4  ,! *ief magi/rate d]ives
 all 8 au?ority f ! p4  ,:y %\ld !re n  
be a pati5t confid5ce 9 ! ultimate      
ju/ice ( ! p8  ,if ! ,almighty ,rul] (  
nations1 ) 8 et]nal tru? & ju/ice1 be on
 y\r side ( ! ,nor?1 or on y\rs ( !     
,s\?1 t tru? & t ju/ice w surely prevail
 by ! judgm5t ( ?is great tribunal ( !  
,am]ican p4  ,?is p h wisely giv5 _!    
public s]vants b little p[] = mis*ief4  

,no?+ valuable c be lo/ by tak+ "t4  ,"h
 are six & tw5ty s5t5ces1 cull$ f ?is "o
 address1 t are no?+ less ?an ! maxims (
 a political sage1 z la/+ z !y are apt4 
,z a glove fits a h&1 s did ^! c\nsels  
fit t day4 ,z ! ne$le guides all %ips t 
sail1 s _! wisdom directs all politics  
/ill4 ,!y embody sure witness ( an eye t
 is ke5 to see--none m n>r[ly2 & ( a m9d
 t is tra9$ to ?9k--none m ?or\ghly4 ,_!
 au?or 0 a man :o knew4 ,he knew ! pa/4 
,he knew ?+s curr5t4 ,he knew :at _!    
com+ issues 7 sure to be4 ,he knew !    
gr\nds ( gov]nm5t4 ,he knew ! om5s (    
an>*y4 ,he knew ! awful possibilities 9 
frat]nal hate4 ,& he knew ! ne$ & !     
awful co/ ( pati5t =be>ance4 ,"h is a   
man well pa/ *ildhood intellectually4   
,he has ! eye & ! m9d ( a man long      
s*ool$ by discipl9e4 ,& he has a tongue 
exp]t 9 spee*1 well freight$ ) trem5d\s 
s5se1 b lucid too1 & graceful1 & void ( 
all (f5se4 ,?is "o address displays a   
man1 ?\gh pa!tically unfamili> )        
*ildhood s*ools1 ( consummate           

intellectual balance & =ce4  ,b1 = its  
*]i%$ end ?is inaugural prov$ pa!tically
 incompet5t4 ,& :5 x became 8 duty to   
pron\nce a second inaugural oa?1 !      
,nation _h be5 f\r ye>s 9 t]rible w>4 ,t
 w> levi$ a t]rible tax ^u ! presid5t's 
intellectual /r5g?4 ,! m5tal p]plexities
 ( ^? endless days & nights _c be told4 
,mu* less c !y be und]/ood4 ,x may be   
d\bt$ :e!r any o!r man c\ld h br\ght a  
m9d to uphold & comm& ^? ye>s ) any     
approa* to ,l9coln's m5tal hone/y4 ,x 01
 "u ,god1 )9 ! /eadfa/1 t5aci\s grasp ( 
,l9coln's exhau/less & inv9cible m5tal  
loyalty t our national de/9y lay secure4
 ,to all ! phases ( all ! problems ( all
 ^? ye>s1 & to 8 own judgm5t & endeavor 
conc]n+ !m all1 ?is same fir/ p>agraph (
 8 second inaugural also alludes4 ,?is  
allusion1 too1 if any "o w\ld compass ! 
full measure ( ,l9coln's m5tal /r5g?1   
dem&s review1 & w rew>d pursuit4 ,!     
records are well pres]v$4 ,& !y be>     
ab\nd+ witness to ,l9coln's almo/       
sup]human sanity & insight & en]gy &    

m5tal equilibrium4 ,if any "o w foll[   
?r\gh ?is hone/ & p]fectly honorable    
h9t1 he w come to feel t ! m9d ( ,l9coln
 0 ! ,nation's crucible 9 :i* all !     
,nation's problems 7 resolv$4           
,,l9coln',s ,,moral ,,e>ne/ness  ,9 !   
c5tral p>agraph ( 8 la/ inaugural       
,l9coln en%r9$ compell+ demon/ration ( 8
 moral s\ndness4 ,t s+le p>agraph is    
no?+ less ?an a solid section ( a f9i%$ 
moral philosophy4 ,x reckons "r & wrong 
incapable ( any reconciliation1 ,god z  
,almighty ,judge1 & all 8 judgm5ts j4 ,b
 t op9ion 0 no ^w 9 ha/e4 ,delib]ate z  
he always 01 :5 voic+ any e/imate z     
,presid5t1 nev] 0 he m delib]ate ?an :5 
p5n+ t moral explanation ( ! w>4 ,9 f\r 
/]n ye>s he _h be5 revolv+ survey+ &    
pond]+ t /]ne/ ( all debates3--,%\ld !  
w> g on or %\ld x cease8 ,e argum5t on  
ei!r side1 t he>t or ?\ght ( man c\ld   
feel or see1 _h be5 driv5 by e s5se into
 ! fai?ful he$ ( 8 hone/ s\l4 ,he b5t 8 
e> ob$i5tly to e plea1 b9d+ 8 pati5t m9d
 to regi/] fairly e weighty ^w1 design+ 

) absolute hone/y t1 :5 at la/ he spoke 
! executive decree1 8 decision %\ld b9d 
! ,nation = ! s+le p]fect reason t x 0  
"r4 ,& :5 f9ally & p]si/5tly he upheld !
 w> & ord]$ its rel5tless prosecution to
 ! end1 no "o may tru?fully *>ge t      
op9ion & comm& to ignorance or malice1  
to prejudice or ha/e4 ,moral gr\nds     
alone 7 ! basis & motive ( t conclusion 
& behe/4 ,! w> 0 caus$ by slav]y4 ,)    
,s\!rn success slav]y w\ld spread &     
become p]petual4 ,if slav]y 0 n wrong1  
no?+ 0 wrong4 ,t ?is great wrong %\ld be
 re/ra9$ & 9 ! end remov$1 ! w> mu/ be  
put ?r\gh4  ,b t 0 n all 8 ?\ght &      
argum5t 9 ?is la/ inaugural4 ,! w>1 = ! 
"t1 p>t$ ! ,nation sectionally4 ,b ! s9 
& guilt ( slav]y1 9 ,l9coln's feel+1    
re/$ ^u ! ,nation z a :ole2 & ^u !      
,nation z a :ole he adjudg$ ! burd5 (   
its woe4 ,"h ! moral gr&eur ( ,l9coln   
comes fully into view4 ,8 affirmation ( 
t awful iniquity1 inwr\ght 9 two        
c5turies & a half ( slav]y1 is no       
ph>isaic indictm5t ( ! ,s\?4 ,x is a    

rep5tant confession ( 8 own & all !     
,nation's equal "p 9 its inf9ite wrong4 
,among ! guilty au?ors & abettors ( t   
wrong he id5tifies himself4 ,he deems ! 
w> ,god's righte\s judgm5t ^u ! national
 inhumanity1 & meekly b[s 8 head1 among 
! humble/ & mo/ afflict$ ( ^? :o suff] &
 sorr[ b5ea? t sc\rge4  ,t k9dly        
fell[%ip ) all ! ,nation 9 ! sorr[s ( ! 
w>1 ) its l[ly confession ( all ! guilt1
 & its pati5t endurance ( all ! aton+   
co/1 proclaims & demon/rates t ,l9coln's
 respect = righte\sness 0 supreme4 ,x   
betok5s a liv+ s5se ( law1 a he>ty ass5t
 to duty1 a c>eful reckon+ ( guilt1 an  
uncompla9+ read9ess to own & rectify all
 wrong1 a manly purpose to inaugurate a 
new rule ( equity1 a rev]5t ackn[l$gm5t 
( ,god1 an ideal e/eem = manhood        
ev]y:]e1 fre$om f ! dom9ion ( gre$1     
fri5dl9ess = ! err+1 pity = ! hurt &    
poor4 ,above all x %[s ! fai? ( a moral 
se] 9 its manife/ confid5ce t human     
evil1 & all its awful sorr[1 are "u !   
jo9t div9e & human control & c be       

absolutely & joyfully ov]?r[n & done    
away4  ,"h is a type ( manhood t1 "u !  
discipl9e ( ,god1 grew /]l+ to ! core1 &
 by a signal favor+ ,provid5ce provid$  
an ample basis = a national moral ideal4
 ,"h is an ideal :]e consci5ce &        
righte\sness /& 9 close affiance1 :]e   
lib]ty spr+s f equity1 & :]e pity nev]  
fails4 ,"h is a p]son & a "n wor?y &    
able demon/rably to inspire & lead to   
national triumph a new political league4
 ,& "h is an (ficial ^: spontane\s      
hone/y has left ^u all 8 /ate pap]s an  
indelible moral /amp1 creat+ !reby out (
 8 (ficial docum5ts a national lit]ature
 ( f9i%$ beauty & excell5ce & p[]4      
,,"p ,,ii4 ,,analysis   ,,8 ,,rev]5ce   
,,= ,,law--,,consci5ce  ,deeply set )9 !
 he>t ( ,l9coln 9 ?is la/ inaugural 0 8 
b9d+ s5se ( "r4 ,?is obligation 0 civic4
 ,! spee* c be describ$ z a /atem5t (   
:at a loyal citiz5 "u conf$]ate law is  
b\nd to d1 :5 8 civic loyalty is put to 
a f9al te/4 ,x is an illu/ration (      
ob$i5ce fac+ rebellion4 ,x is an        

exposition ( a conf$]ate's duty1 :5     
conf$]ates sec$e4 ,x is a civilian's    
ann\ncem5t ( ! law t is s+ly & surely   
sov]eign1 :5 ! sole alt]native 9 !      
,nation's life is dissolution or blood4 
,x is a revelation ( ! law t /ill       
prevails among & above a ,republic (    
freem51 :5 all law is fac$ by ! *all5ge 
& defiance ( w>4  ,"h is a supreme      
exhibit ( a solid co-effici5t 9         
,l9coln's "*4 ,x %[s 9 a comm&+ way h[  
moral duty held dom9ion 9 8 life4 ,he _h
 no pr$ilection = w>4 ,t he mu/ face its
 m5ace1 or =swe> 8 fealty to 8 freeman's
 cov5ant1 0 a pa!tic fate4 ,& :5 9 t    
alt]native he upheld 8 oa? & endur$ !   
w>1 x is pa/ all d5ial t he 0 b[+ "u an 
inexorable con/ra9t4 ,he 0 pla9ly ord]+ 
8 spee* & conduct 9 submission to an    
all-comm&+1 all-review+ moral regim54 ,8
 w 0 li/5+ to a moral behe/4 ,8 judgm5t 
0 pond]+ a moral *oice4 ,8 eye 0 =eca/+ 
a moral aw>d4 ,he 0 %ap+ sov]eign issues
 ) a sov]eign responsibility4  ,?is     
exp]i5ce & ?is expression ( ,l9coln's   

life une>?s f\ndations 9 8 "* :i* dem&  
precise exam9ation4 ,:at 0 ! nature ( ! 
law :i* held & sway$ ! s\l ( ,l9coln )  
su* an ov]ma/]+ control8 ,:5ce came its 
au?ority8 ,:]e9 re/$ its validity8 ,is  
!re record ( its orig9 & au?or%ip8 ,:]e 
is x record$8 ,by ^: h& 0 x transcrib$8 
,precisely :at are its s imp]ative t]ms8
  ,9 attempt+ an answ]1 "o's fir/       
impulse is to say t 9 ?is address       
,l9coln 0 speak+ z citiz5 & (ficial1 z  
subject & *ief executive ( an op5ly     
organiz$ civil gov]nm5t1 ) writt5       
,con/itution & laws2 & t :at he 0 say+ 9
 ?is inaugural address conta9$ & involv$
 no m & no less ?an ^? regulations      
express$2 t he simply adopt$ & e*o$ :at 
!y def9$ & describ$2 t ! sole & only    
au?ority he assum$ to cite or urge 0 ?is
 well-kn[n publi%$ law ( ! l&2 & t 9 ^? 
op5 records "o may f9d 9 fullness &     
precision ! full def9ition ( ! nature & 
validity1 ! au?ority & au?or%ip & orig91
 ! v t]ms & abid+ =m ( all ! moral      
m&ates he "h obey$4  ,9 su* a /atem5t   

!re is ab\nd+ tru?4 ,l9coln explicitly  
%[s explicit allegiance 9 all 8         
political life to ! dom9ion ( our       
national law4 ,he rev]$ our             
,con/itution4 ,& t ! ,con/itution %\ld  
likewise be rev]$ by all 0 all he gave 8
 life to realize4 ,gr\nd$ z t           
,con/itution 0 ^u our ,am]ican ,bill (  
,rights1 ackn[l$g+ z x did t all m5 7   
creat$ equal1 own+ z x op5ly did !      
sov]eignty ( ! popul> w1 & all[+ no o!r 
"l1 he f\nd )9 its rev]5t & rev]5d      
affirmations ! dignity1 au?ority1 & p[] 
all-suffici5t & supremely valid = him z 
a fell[-citiz5 among 8 fell[m54  ,b 9   
su* a /atem5t some?+ is left unsaid4 ,z 
"o li/5s ?r\gh ?is address to ,l9coln's 
voice1 he in/antly & cont9u\sly feels t 
he is he>+ !re no m]e e*o ( quot$ words4
 ,!re is 9 ! vibrant tone a note t is   
orig9al4 ,8 voice is 8 own4 ,8 words are
 ( 8 own selection4 ,8 phrases 7 fa%ion$
 by himself4 ,8 p>agraphs embody ! %ape 
& be> ! /amp ( 8 peculi> & pa9/ak+      
inv5tion & argum5t4 ,9 8 utt]ance are ! 

inflection & acc5t1 ! v passion ( un=c$ 
& indep5d5t conviction4 ,he speaks z "o 
:o f9ds )9 himself1 9 "s true s5se1 !   
au?ority = :at he says4  ,b n m]ely are 
8 words valid = himself1 z he %apes 8   
ord]$ spee*4 ,!y are irrepressible4 ,8  
convictions ?rob ) urg5cy4 ,! con/ra9t  
to :i* he b[s is en?ron$ & ex]cis$ )94  
,! law he obeys is j z truly a law he   
orda9s4 ,b on ei!r view x is a m&ate :i*
 he humbly & gr&ly obeys4 ,x is an      
imp]ative to :i* he yields 8 life4  ,j  
"h em]ges ano!r phase ( 8 am5ability to 
law4 ,x op]ates z an impulse to plead4  
,x drives him to ! ro/rum1 & makes ( him
 "o ( ! =emo/ ma/]s ( public address our
 civic life & hi/ory h produc$4 ,z      
,l9coln voices ?is address he is speak+ 
n m]ely to himself1 nor = himself1 nor  
to ease & unburd5 8 m9d1 nor yet to op5 
& indicate 8 view4 ,z he spoke ^? words 
8 eye 0 fix$ ^u a mighty multitude ( 8  
fell[m54 ,z he unfold$ 8 ?\ght be=e _!  
att5tive1 wait+ m9ds1 x 0 z ?\gh a bann]
 7 be+ unfurl$ to symbolize & signify to

 a ,nation's multitudes ! sov]eign duty 
( all true patriots4 ,9 t transaction he
 became und5iably prophet & lawgiv] to !
 ,nation4 ,! obligations t supremely b9d
 8 life he urges & atte/s z b9d+ ) equal
 & evid5t urg5cy ^u ! millions ^u       
millions ( ! memb]s 9 ! same free &     
solemn political league4 ,:5 8 spee* is 
done1 he w\ld h all :o he> conjo9$      
indefeasibly ) him 9 loyalty to 8 law4  
,e s5t5ce ( ! address be>s evid5ce ( ?is
 design4 ,he is aim+ to br+ ! ,nation's 
consci5ce & w to embody & obey !        
id5tical m&ates t gov]n him4  ,b 8      
appeal is ve/ur$ 9 ideal def]5ce4 ,he   
deals ) law4 ,b he does n comm&4        
,?r\gh\t 8 solemn exposition !re is no  
note or h9t ( dictator%ip ( any sort4 ,n
 a brea? 9 any acc5t sugge/s any        
und]tak+ to co]ce4 ,he simply /rives1 z 
a man ) 8 fri5d1 to p]suade4  ,& yet z  
he sets =? 8 spee*1 )9 ! comely app>el (
 its c\rte\s words gleams ! regal =m (  
duty1 imp]ial (fspr+ ( inflexible law4  
,^? words 7 no empty phras+s ( indiff]5t

 platitudes1 dispos$ & pron\nc$ to      
dignify a pass+ pageant 9 ! =mal r\nds (
 our civic life4 ,!y trembl$ ) anxiety4 
,he spoke ( no?+ less ?an ! ,nation's   
life & dea?1 ! ,nation's duty1 & !      
,nation's doom4 ,! honor ( ! ,republic 0
 be+ /]nly tri$1 to see if x 0 s\nd or  
rott5 9 its v he>t4 ,l9coln 0 deal+ )   
?+s t all m5 own$ to be above all price4
 ,he 0 /riv+1 z = life1 to a*ieve       
agreem5t z to duties t %\ld transc5d all
 possible d5ial4 ,he 0 try+ to fa/5 ^u e
 ,am]ican consci5ce con/ra9ts t no      
,am]ican consci5ce c\ld possibly escape4
  ,"h is a cognizance ( law & def]5ce   
be=e its claims t is curi\sly composite1
 if n complex1 or ev5 inn]ly contrapos$4
 ,he ackn[l$ges ! writt5 ,con/itution to
 b9d all citiz5s ) supreme au?ority2 &  
gives 8 solemn oa? to honor1 uphold1 &  
execute its pla9 behe/s4 ,he z pla9ly   
betrays ! pres5ce )9 8 individual brea/ 
( a moral sov]eign to :i* he b[s ) j z  
loyal rev]5ce4 ,& be=e e man ) :om he   
pleads he ord]s 8 behavior1 ev5 :ile he 

pleads1 z be=e a ?rone ^: moral maje/y  
he has no "r or p[] to nullify4 ,& yet  
)9 ! t]ms embody+ su* a def]5ce he      
exp\nds ! g5esis & ju/ifies ! conduct ( 
a long-drawn civil conflict1 9 :i* 8 own
 (ficial decrees c be c>ri$ out only by 
! aid ( ! dea? & desolation entail$ by  
w>4 ,& :51 despite dea?-deal+ guns &    
def]5tial pleas alike1 va/ multitudes ( 
m51 ev5 all ! capta9s & armies ( ! ,s\?1
 despise 8 argum5ts & defy 8 arms1 he   
cont9ues to urge 8 convictions &        
appeals1 & to re9=ce 8 words ) w>4  ,c  
su* a complex attitude be %[n & se5 to  
re/ 9 moral h>mony8 ,7 8 consci5ce1 & ! 
,con/itution1 & 8 def]5ce be=e o!r m51 &
 8 summons ( ! l& to arms equally &     
alike compell+ morally1 all inde$       
morally ak98 ,b5ea? ! unsp>+ gaze ( 8   
consci5ce-se>*+ eye1 "u all ! awful te/+
 ( 8 loyalty to oa?1 9 all 8 pati5t &   
p]si/5t plead+s = o!r m5's agreem5t1 &  
?r\gh all ! torture & di/ress ( w>1 :at 
explanation & acc\nt c be giv5 ( any    
obligation adequate to b9d & ju/ify 8   

c\rse8 ,in/9ct himself ) def]5ce1 &     
av]se to any =m ( tyranny1 h[ c\ld he s 
rigidly refuse to yield8 ,prone t[>d    
conciliation 9 e fib] ( 8 life1 h[ did  
he inw>dly1 h[ c\ld he op5ly v9dicate 8 
unb5d+ det]m9ation to uphold 8 fai?1 &  
c>ry ?r\gh ! w>8  ,?is =ces a f9al &    
vital inquiry t\*+ ! nature ( ! law t 0 
s regnant & compell+ 9 ,l9coln's p]sonal
 life2 & t he 0 /ruggl+ "h 9 ?is address
 ) su* consum+ desire1 & by ! unabett$  
effici5cy ( oral appeal1 to implant 9   
o!r brea/s4 ,f ,l9coln's balanc$ words x
 /&s app>5t t ! problems b\nd up 9 ?is  
inquiry beleagu]$ him on e side4 ,8     
?robb+ syllables1 & ! tactics by :i* 8  
s5t5ces are arrang$1 atte/ impressively 
t :ile he 0 fac+ problems too pr(\nd =  
human ?\ght to solve1 he 0 also fac+    
laws t he c\ld n escape1 & d>$ n        
disobey4 ,x 0 n = 8 k9d he>t to sanction
 & encompass su* a w>1 & /& s solidly   
aga9/ ! solid ,s\?1 :ile yet behav+ ) s 
unfeign$ respect = e o!r man1 except    
b5ea? compulsion ( a law supremely g5tle

 & inv9cibly sev]e4 ,he 0 pla9ly view+  
"s behe/ too pla9 to be d5i$1 too sacr$ 
to be disobey$1 too insi/5t to be )held1
 & yet too rev]5d & b5ign to suff] any  
*ampion to be rude--a behe/ ar\nd ^:    
?rone hung sanctions1 true to fact1     
wait+ to adjudge1 c]ta9 to desc5d4  ,9 !
 ef=t n[ to trace 9 ! s\l ( ,l9coln !   
bir? & gr[? & manly /ature ( ?is deep   
s5se ( law1 "s ?+s /& pla94 ,9 ?is1 8   
consci\sness ( sov]eign duty & supreme  
allegiance1 ,l9coln /&s entire4 ,9 ?is  
address w & ?\ght & s5tim5ts comb9e4 ,he
 is n swept aga9/ 8 w4 ,:at he decides  
he eag]ly desires4 ,& ) 8 w & wi% 8 be/ 
intellig5ce co-op]ates4 ,if any man     
essay to ov]?r[ 8 argum5t1 he has !     
total ,l9coln to ov]turn4 ,det]m9$1     
impassion$1 & conv9c$1 he confronts all 
m51 :e!r !y be adv]s>ies or fri5ds4 ,9 8
 cont5tion & def5se 8 be+ is completely 
unifi$4 ,he is employ+ ^u 8 ma/] task 8 
total /r5g?4 ,di/ressful1 d>k &         
difficult z is 8 environm5t & "t1 he    
suff]s & pond]s & resolves1 ) =ces      

undivid$1 none res]v$4 ,) su*           
convictions1 su* desires1 & su*         
det]m9ation1 ! assurance 9 8 onset 0 9  
itself triumphant4  ,^u :at f\ndations  
n[ = su* unyield+ confid5ce & appeal did
 ,l9coln take 8 /&8 ,= ,l9coln's own    
delib]ate reply1 let all m5 read aga91 &
 !n aga91 & /ill aga91 ?is second       
inaugural address4 ,^? words are app>el$
 ) a beautiful *>ity4 ,b f deep )9 _!   
k9dl9ess res\nds ! cle>1 firm voice (   
heav5-ord]$1 all-prevail+ law--a law t  
compreh5ds b5ea? its /rong & high       
dom9ion ! long c>e] ( ,am]ican slav]y1  
def9+ its s91 aw>d+ its doom1 & deal+   
ju/ly ) ! cont5d+ imprecations & !      
plead+ int]cessions t /rangely voice !  
deep confusion ( embattl+ ho/s4 ,am]ican
 slav]y1 its s9 & doom--9 8 exposition (
 t d>k !me1 ,l9coln gave 8 exposition ( 
all-compell+ law4  ,all m5 7 creat$     
equal4 ,! "r ( all m5 to lib]ty is      
likewise a primitive end[m5t4 ,^u ?is "o
 broad base1 & ^u no o!r1 did ,l9coln   
ev] set up any claim to voice = himself1

 or = 8 fell[man1 a civic obligation4   
,to t creative decree c be trac$ all !  
civic appeals t ,l9coln ev] made4 ,9    
fix+ !re ! gr\nd ( e plea1 he _h        
indomitable assurance ( fai? t he 0     
def9+ & decl>+ = e man an irr$ucible &  
ineffaceable moral law4 ,all m5 7 creat$
 equal4 ,all m5 7 div9ely entitl$ to be 
free4 ,t fiat ( ,god ,am]icans _h tri$ &
 d>$ to invalidate4 ,its au?ority x 0 n[
 ! ,almighty's purpose1 by ! ob$i5t h& (
 ,l9coln1 to re9augurate4 ,its simple   
t]ms1 t _h =ev] be5 indelible1 7 n[ to  
be made univ]sally legible1 & ev]y:]e   
visible1 by ! ob$i5t cons5t ( all 8     
fell[m54  ,9 all ( ?is ! *iefe/ ?+ to   
note is t ?is same all-comm&+ moral law 
is born )94 ,writt5 precepts & publi%$  
con/itutions are b transcriptions4 ,!y  
are n orig9al4 ,!y are only copies4 ,n  
at ! tip ( a mov+ p51 b 9 our =efa!rs'  
rev]5t & indep5d5t he>ts1 did our noble 
,con/itution come to bir?4 ,& 9 ! "t (  
,l9coln x 0 9 ,l9coln's he>t t ?is      
v5]able law 0 born aga94 ,9 ! he>t (    

,wa%+ton1 9 ! he>t ( ,l9coln1 9 ! he>t (
 e man1 z fa%ion$ & ov]-%ad[$ ev]more by
 ,god1 all moral regim5 has its /ately  
orig94  ,to ?is grave oracle1 deep )9   
,l9coln's ,godlike s\l1 did ,l9coln     
fa%ion utt]ance4 ,to ?is same rev]5d    
oracle1 deep-lodg$ )9 ! ,godlike s\l ( e
 li/5]1 ,l9coln made appeal4 ,"h is all 
! urg5cy ( all 8 argum5t4 ,"h is !      
secret ( all 8 confid5ce4 ,h]e9 alone   
%9es all 8 moral maje/y4  ,some?+ su* 0 
,l9coln's exposition to himself1 & to 8 
"t1 ( ! maje/y & m&atory =ce ( civic    
law4 ,its au?ority re/s 9 ,god4 ,its    
validity re/s z well 9 man4 ,x has be5  
writt5 d[n mo/ nobly 9 our ,con/itution 
& ,bill ( ,rights4 ,its t]ms spell      
fre$om & equality = all4 ,9 ! light (   
our common human s5tim5ts1 k9dl+ )9 u f 
heav5ly fires1 its pr9t$ copies may be  
easily revis$4 ,& :ile its concrete     
regulations are f> too manifold = any   
g5]al docum5t to possibly conta91 its   
dictates are all z concrete &           
corresponsive to our human civic life z 

is ! heav5-born & rev]5t human          
fri5dl9ess ) :i* ! life ( ,l9coln 0     
cont9ually grac$4  ,def]r+ !n to future 
pages all specific analysis & appraisal 
( ! pregnant int]ior weal? ( ,l9coln's  
s5se ( moral obligation1 two mom5t\s    
affirmations t\*+ ,l9coln's rev]5ce =   
law lie already "r at h&4 ,! law he     
rev]5c$ held high & wide dom9ion4 ,x    
%ap$ & sway$ & judg$ at once & alike bo?
 8 own & 8 ,nation's de/9y4  ,& its t]ms
 7 pla94 ,x 0 no timid1 dusky lamp1 held
 9 trembl+ h&1 ?r[+ unc]ta9 rays1 &     
flick]+ t[>ds ext9ction4 ,! law t %9es 9
 ?is inaugural is a gl[+1 radiant orb1  
br++ day :5 fir/ x dawn$1 & %$d+ /ill   
full light ( day ov] all ! e>?4   ,,8   
,,jeal\sy ,,= ,,lib]ty--,,free-,,w  ,?is
 second inaugural address _h its bir? 9 
! brea/ ( a man freeborn1 & resolute to 
rema9 =ev] free4 ,to f9d )9 ?is spee*   
?is liv+ se$1 to trace & sket* its bur/+
 gr[?1 & to ga!r up its fruit1 is well  
wor? any toil or co/4 ,to beg9 )1 ?is   
spee* is und5iably ,l9coln's own4 ,t 9  

any s5se x 0 born ( any o!r man's       
dictation1 ,l9coln w\ld nev] admit1 & no
 o!r man w\ld ev] affirm4 ,z its words  
ga9 voice1 e li/5] feels t ,l9coln 0 _! 
only au?or1 & t ev5 9 _! utt]ance1 ?\gh 
9 ! liv+ pres5ce ( an un-numb]$         
multitude1 ?is speak] 0 /&+ 9 a maje/ic 
solitude4 ,t exposition ( ! w>1 ( !     
,union1 & ( slav]y 0 ( & by & = himself4
 ,:at he 0 utt]+ 0 orig9al4 ,!          
convictions he affirm$ 7 8 p]sonal fai?4
 ,! decision 8 words s delicately veil$ 
0 8 p]sonal resolve4 ,! issue t[>ds :i* 
!y aim$ 0 ! outlook ( 8 lone he>t's     
hope4 ,! appeal he voic$ 0 w>m$ & w+$ by
 8 own desire4 ,! argum5t he s deftly   
inwr\ght 0 8 inv5tion & device4 ,! words
 he s+l$ out 7 8 selection4 ,! total    
aspect & onset & effect ( ! address1 z x
 look$ & work$ on ! day ( its deliv]y1 &
 z x looks & works today1 7 ( 8 un=c$ & 
free election & int5t4 ,all ! volume1   
burd5 & design ( ^? pregnant1 urg5t1    
f>-see+ p>agraphs are ! fir/ h& product 
( a freeborn man1 adapt$ & address$ to  

m5 freeborn4  ,"h is = any /ud5t ( e?ics
 an impos+ spectacle4 ,= "h is a comm&+ 
demon/ration t mortal man is 9 v de$ a  
responsible au?or ( moral de$s4 ,t ?is  
inaugural sc5e gives ?is /up5d\s tru? an
 ind5iable v9dication1 no man may       
lightly und]take to disapprove4 ,b )9 t 
und5iable v]ity are involv$ all ! mighty
 revolutions ( a moral univ]se4  ,?is   
import ( ?is spee* c nev] be made too   
pla94 ,to ?is end let any read] note !  
fact t 9 t /]n day1 & 9 ?is pla9 spee*1 
,l9coln fac$1 & t "u a pitiless         
compulsion1 an exig5t alt]native4 ,:5 he
 p5n$1 & :5 he spoke its freight$ words1
 he /ood 9 ! v brunt ( w>4 ,8 ?\ghts 7  
trac+ battle l9es4 ,8 eye 0 fix$ on     
bayonets4 ,be=e him /ood f>-rang+ ranks 
( m5 9 mutual defiance1 m5 at v>iance ^u
 fundam5tal ?+s1 m5 9 conflict ov]      
claims irreconcilable by ,god or man4   
,by no device ( argum5t or ( compromise 
c\ld ^? cont5d+ claims become id5tical1 
or ev5 mutually tol]ant4 ,m5's pa?s _h  
p>t$4 ,armies _h tak5 sides4 ,diff]5ce  

_h deep5$ into intol]ance2 intol]ance _h
 height5$ into hate2 & hate _h fl>$ up  
into w>4 ,secession _h proclaim$ t !    
,union mu/ dissolve1 t conf$]ates 7     
foes1 t "o ,nation mu/ be two4 ,& m5    
bas$ _! reasons = r5d+ ! l& & = rally+  
ranks 9 arms1 ^u oppos+ views ( ,god's  
decree1 & ( ! nature ( m54 ,"o side     
claim$ t ,god orda9$ t black m5 %\ld be 
slaves4 ,?is claim ! o!r side d5i$2 &   
av[$ in/ead t ,god 9 8 creation &       
end[m5t ( ! human race orda9$ t all m5  
%\ld be equal & free4 ,s appall+ & s    
pass+ pla9 9 our political life 0 !     
alt]native :i* ?is inaugural _h to      
confront4  ,equally pla9 ^u ! face ( ?is
 inaugural is ! fact t1 9 ! pres5ce ( t 
dread & /]n alt]native1 ,l9coln made a  
*oice4 ,he pick$ 8 flag4 ,he *ose !     
bann] ( ! free4 ,! /&>d ( ! slavehold]  
he spurn$4 ,responsibly1 delib]ately1 he
 select$ :]e to /&1 fully & consci\sly  
purpos+ t 9 su* selection he 0 enli/+ & 
employ+ all ! volunt>y p[]s ( 8 life4   
,"h 0 consci\s *oice4 ,he did select4   

,he did reject4 ,he c\ld h tak5 ano!r1  
an oppugnant /&1 z _m a famili>         
conf$]ate did4 ,two pa?s 7 surely       
possible4 ,& !y did und5iably div]ge4 ,t
 div]g5ce he sob]ly survey$1 & trac$ d[n
 ?r\gh all its devi\s ways to _! f9al   
consequ5ce4 ,9 act & motive1 9 judgm5t &
 int5t1 he 0 self-pois$1 self-det]m9$1  
self-mov$4 ,:51 9 ?is second inaugural  
sc5e1 remov$ f 8 =m] inaugural oa? by   
f\r imp]i\s ye>s ( sob]+ & awak5+ ?\ght1
 b fac+ /ill a fr[n+ ,s\?1 he swore a   
second "t to pres]ve1 protect & def5d ! 
,con/itution--t 0 a freeman's *oice4 ,& 
x 0 ,l9coln's own4 ,betwe5 8 s\l &      
heav51 z he regi/]$ t resolve1 no ?ird  
au?ority int]v5$4 ,z he /ood & publi%$ &
 def9$ t reit]at$ pl$ge1 8 s\l 0        
sov]eignly1 supremely free4  ,& )9 t    
sov]eign fre$om its ev5-balanc$         
delib]ation %\ld n be ov]look$4 ,^? days
 t fil$ betwe5 ^? two inaugurals _h be5 
replete ) /udi$ m$itation4 ,! mighty    
problems precipitat$ by ! w> he _h tak5 
& turn$ & pois$ & s\ght to e/imate &    

solve 9 e possible way4 ,he pond]$ e    
ounce ( _! awful gravity4 ,he pac$ !    
total c\rse ( _! developm5t4 ,he knew   
our hi/ory1 ) all its ideals & all its  
errors by he>t4 ,he inspect$ ) peculi>  
c>efulness ! drift & tr5d ( our national
 c>e]4 ,x is d\btful if any "o ev] /udi$
 s incessantly ! curr5t ( our affairs1  
or pe]$ s anxi\sly & ) su* f>-sight$    
calculation into ! hidd5 & di/ant issues
 ( ! /up5d\s ent]prise 9 :i* he 0       
pr$e/9$ to act s comm&+ a "p4 ,s :5 8   
free decision 0 u%]$ =? & project$ among
 ! cont5d+ det]m9ations ( 8 day1 to play
 its "p1 x 0 ! ripe conclusion ( a      
?\ghtful m9d1 l ! well-pois$ v]dict ( a 
judge4  ,& 8 free *oice 0 resolute4 ,8 w
 0 )\t wav]+4 ,! side he made 8 own 0   
=c$ to face ! musketry & =ts1 ! ars5als 
& fleets1 ( a w\ld-be nation ( angry1   
det]m9$ m5--m5 :o w\ld r die ?an yield4 
,! *oice he made involv$ ! %$d+ ( human 
blood4 ,?is he sadly knew4 ,9 f\r       
endless ye>s he _h be5 compell$ to def5d
 8 resolution ) arms4 ,& n[ z he        

volunte]$ 8 oa? a second "t1 8 free     
decision involv$ aga9 ! frightful       
coroll>y ( w>4 ,?is meant t )9 8        
volunt>y oa? 0 a consci\s det]m9ation1  
too vigor\s & resolute = any ?reat to   
daunt1 = any =m ( t]ror to rev]se4 ,8   
*oice 0 no feeble lean+ to "o side4     
,into its =mation & into its fulfillm5t 
p\r$ all ! en]gy ( 8 life4 ,x 0 va/ly1  
radically m ?an impulse1 or prop5sity1  
or easy1 unconsid]$ incl9ation4 ,x 0 a  
freeman's *oice1 pois$ & edg$ & en]giz$ 
by a freeman's w4 ,x _h firmness l !    
firmness ( ! hills4  ,?is *oice (       
,l9coln 0 pond]\s4 ,8 ex]cise ( fre$om1 
z %[n 9 ?is inaugural1 0 deal+1 n ) ?+s 
indiff]5t1 n ) trifles void ( moral     
mom5t1 nor ) empty1 immat]ial           
suppositions4 ,:5 ,l9coln %ap$ & welcom$
 to himself ?is pref]5ce1 he 0 h&l+ no?+
 less ?an ! affronts ( human arrogance1 
! gre$ ( human av>ice1 ! cruelty ( human
 slav]y1 & a conf$]ate's disloyalty4 ,t 
pref]5ce 0 8 free election to en?rone )9
 himself1 & )9 all o!r m51 ! /ability ( 

a firm allegiance1 ! grace ( human      
fri5dl9ess1 ! wor?y valuation ( human   
s\ls1 & ! surpass+ beauty ( a true      
humility4 ,x 0 betwe5 su* values t 8    
election took its %ape4 ,8 decision     
dealt ) ?+s prim>y1 endur+1 & univ]sal4 
,x 0 conc]n$ ) ! elem5tal affections &  
convictions ( m51 :ile all ! "t         
supremely respect+ ! decrees & judgm5ts 
( ,almighty ,god4 ,^u su* a level1 &    
amid su* values1 did ! w ( ,l9coln trace
 out its pa?4 ,x 0 a ,godlike en]gy1    
sov]eign1 sob]m9d$1 orig9al1 free4  ,b  
?\gh ?is fre$om ( ,l9coln1 z x reigns   
?r\gh ?is inaugural1 0 individually 8   
own1 & wr\ght out into precise exp]i5ce 
9 p]sonal s+l5ess & indep5d5cy1 by no   
mann] ( means 0 he /&+ 9 ?is sc5e 9     
moral isolation4 ,he 0 beset ab\t &     
wr\ght ^u f _m sides by mighty moral    
en]gies4 ,= "o ?+1 a va/ ,republic held 
him fa/ 9 ! bonds ( loyal citiz5%ip4 ,x 
0 a ,republic compos$ ( freem51 to be   
sure4 ,b ^? freem5 7 by no means a      
miscellany ( mutually indiff]5t &       

disconnect$ units4 ,!y _h =m$ a ,union4 
,t ,union _h a def9ite & inviolable     
integrity4 ,t corporate integrity laid  
an unr5\nceable obligation ^u all its   
memb]%ip4 ,x 0 ! sacr$ respect = ! sacr$
 honor ( t political bond t prov$ a man 
a patriot4 ,to ass]t ! freeman's "r to  
ca/ aside ^? bonds prov$ a man a        
traitor1 & g5d]$ unto bondage4 ,"h      
unfolds a v]itable me% ( moral          
obligations--obligations ( compell+     
pot5cy4 ,x 0 precisely 9 def5ce &       
demon/ration ( ^? envelop+ claims t     
,l9coln advocat$ & prosecut$ a def5sive 
b rel5tless w>4  ,! ,s\? res5t$ all su* 
claims4 ,!y 7 resolute t national bonds 
%\ld be defi$1 t _! au?ority %\ld be    
annull$4 ,& ?is !y urg$ explicitly 9 ! v
 "n ( fre$om4 ,?is defiant prote/       
,l9coln's opposite pref]5ce _h to face4 
,?is involv$ 8 m9d 9 ! /udy ( a problem 
t is nev] out ( date--a /udy t w te/ any
 /ud5t's moral hone/y to ! quick4       
,l9coln's *ampion%ip ( moral lib]ty _h  
to grapple1 9 ! c\nt] *ampion%ip (      

,s\!rn arms1 a type & sort ( fre$om t he
 =ev] dis[n$ = himself1 & t he c\ld nev]
 cons5t to 9 any o!r man4 ,?is drove him
 into ! /udy ( ! nature ( a human s\l & 
! nature ( social bonds4 ,?is inquiry   
uncov]$ two f\ndation rocks1 laid deep  
by our =efa!rs b5ea? ! fabric ( our     
republic1 supports to human honor &     
/ability :i* no man nor any conf$]ation 
( m5 c und]m9e & ov]?r[ )\t turn+ upside
 d[n ! fundam5tal supports ( h>mony &   
honor among civilians t are free4 ,^!   
two f\ndation rocks are ! div9e design t
 all m5 %\ld be equal & free2 & ! c]ta9 
coroll>y t gov]nm5ts among m5 d]ive _! j
 p[]s f ! cons5t ( ! gov]n$4 ,! equality
 ( freem5 :5 !y /& ap>t1 & _! free      
cons5t1 :5 !y jo9 9 a political         
league--^! are ! immovable pill>s ( "* &
 ord] among intellig5t m54 ,^u su*      
f\ndations ?is gov]nm5t has be5 plac$4  
,t sure basis ! ,s\? assail$4 ,9 ! "n ( 
fre$om t assault mu/ be repuls$4 ,!     
national environm5t1 ! national         
integrity1 ! national honor1 ! exi/5ce (

 ! ,nation1 conceiv$ z x 0 9 lib]ty1    
made all su* lib]ty z ! ,s\? pref]r$1 n 
a freeman's "r1 b a sorry simulation1 a 
moral wrong4 ,gov]nm5t ( ! p1 by ! p1 0 
fre$om to ! core1 ! core ( civic        
righte\sness4 ,9 su* a gov]nm5t popul> &
 ev]la/+ allegiance 0 elem5tal          
uprightness4 ,among freem51 ! corn]/one 
( civics is a plight$ tro? to lib]ty4   
,?us ,l9coln argu$4 ,& ) him to argue   
?us 0 to obey4 ,z ?us conceiv$1 ob$i5ce 
to 8 civic pl$ge w5t h& 9 h& ) lib]ty4  
,enli/m5t "u a gov]nm5t & laws fram$ by 
fell[-freem5 0 to him no limitation ( 8 
p]sonal rights4 ,in/ead x involv$ &     
assur$ = e bondman a full emancipation1 
& = e freeman full title =ev] to e      
unali5able "r4 ,su* a view 0 inde$      
ideal1 z ,l9coln sob]ly knew2 b = t     
ideal e p[] ( 8 k+ly manhood 0 ready to 
/ruggle & suff] & s]ve4 ,to b9d 8 h& to 
su* a league 0 8 free *oice4 ,to live 9 
loyalty to su* a bond 0 a liv+ pride &  
joy4 ,su* an agreem5t 0 to ! end ( 8    
days unres5t$ & uncon/ra9$4  ,b x co/   

him de>ly4 ,no ind5tur$ bonds-man ev]   
wr\ght out sor] toil4 ,none ev] suff]$  
?r\gh long]1 heavi]1 sadd] days4 ,x wore
 away 8 life4 ,! w> 0 to 8 t5d] s\l1 z  
he t]m$ x1 a dreadful sc\rge4 ,b z he   
int]pret$ its tr5d1 its c]ta9 w9n+s     
outvalu$ & outweigh$ its woe4 ,x 0      
freely & will+ly1 n by any irksome &    
ali5 co]cion1 t he op5$ 8 s\l to all its
 sorr[s1 & p\r$ out all 8 /r5g? to      
direct & ha/5 its consummation4 ,he saw 
un]r+ly t x _h to d ) gov]nm5t by free  
cons5t1 ) ! t5ure ( a freeman's oa?1 ) !
 validity ( a freeman's "r4 ,& by a     
pref]5ce t 9 8 freeman's brea/ 0        
irrepressible1 he select$ ) an op51     
f>-rang+ eye to take 8 place 9 t t]rific
 conflict 9 ! v brunt1 t ! ,nation & all
 ! _w & com+ ages might see & enjoy its 
happy issue 9 a ,union built & compact$ 
indissolubly ^u ! inviolable oa?s &     
rights ( m5 :o are free4  ,?is 0        
,l9coln's law ( lib]ty4 ,x secures to m5
 _! fre$om2 b x b9ds ^? freem5 9 a      
league4 ,_! civic life is n a solitude4 

,x is a cov5ant4  ,b :5 freem5 =m a     
league1 _! solemn oa?1 z ?is inaugural  
%[s1 embodies awful sanctions4 ,f su* a 
league & cov5ant1 sev5 conf$]ate p>ts 7 
affirm+ & def5d+ _! "r to sec$e1 & t by 
=ce ( arms4 ,?is =c$ fre$om to a f9al   
def9ition1 & a f9al te/4 ,:at foll[s :5 
a ,republic fails8 ,:at =m ( civic ord] 
lies beyond1 :5 a league ( freem5 is    
viol5tly dissolv$8 ,:]e w fre$om f9d    
sure foot+1 :5 ! fundam5tal laws (      
freem5 are defi$8 ,on ?is /]n "q ,l9coln
 fix$ 8 eye4 ,& z 8 vision cle>$ &      
deep5$1 he grew to see t if fre$om among
 m5 c\ld ev] survive1 a freeman's mutual
 cov5ant mu/ be inviolate4 ,a freeman's 
compact mu/ be kept1 else on all ! e>?  
fre$om c\ld f9d no re/+ place4 ,if ?is  
%\ld ev] be d5i$1 t d5ial mu/ be /]nly  
smitt5 to ! gr\nd4 ,?us = ! v cause (   
fre$om1 & z a freeman1 ,l9coln 0 driv5  
into w>4 ,he 0 put :]e he _h no o!r     
*oice4 ,he 0 =c$ to fight4  ,b 9 t w> ! 
havoc & disa/] 7 mutual4 ,bo? sides     
suff]$ t]ribly4 ,! conflict dealt out   

torture t nei!r p>ty c\ld evade4 ,x 0   
mighty pond]+s on ^! conditions t wrung 
f ,l9coln's he>t ! he>t ( ?is inaugural1
 :]e9 he traces ) a humble1 deep-se>*+  
c>efulness ! cause ( all ! w> to t      
prolong$ infraction ( ! law ( lib]ty 9 !
 lot ( ! ,am]ican slave2 & ! guilt ( t  
enorm\s s9 to ,nor? & ,s\? alike2 & !   
moral explanation ( ! sorr[s ( ! w> to !
 judgm5ts ( ,almighty ,god4  ,h]e9 he   
le>n$ t among freem5 fre$om is 9 no s5se
 arbitr>y & absolute4 ,laws lie 9 its v 
be+4 ,_! pres5ce is spontane\s inde$1 z 
is e impulse ( _! promulgation & rule4  
,b !y mu/ be obey$4 ,if _! self-fram$   
m&ates are disobey$1 !n freem5 are no   
long] free4 ,if freem5 d>e to b9d & rob 
_! fell[s & aggr&ize _! own advantages1 
!n ! yoke !y b9d on o!r m51 by a        
sanction no mortal c escape1 w be b\nd  
^u _! own necks1 until _! false         
advantages are all surr5d]$1 & ! fre$om 
t is claim$ by anyone is giv5 equally to
 e o!r man4 ,to ! fulfillm5t &          
pres]vation ( t law ,l9coln freely b[$ 8

 life4 ,?is is ! core ( ?is address4    
,?us ,l9coln illu/rates true lib]ty4 ,9 
! crucible ( w> 0 8 vision ( ! wor? (   
fre$om f9ally ref9$4 ,x 0 ?r\gh a co/ly 
sacrifice ( peace4 ,b x 0 alone & all = 
fre$om1 = fre$om & = no?+ else1 t 8     
peace & ours 0 sacrific$4  ,?is         
exposition ( ,l9coln's pure ideal (     
indep5d5t1 virile manhood has embrac$1 9
 pass+1 a phase ( ! va/ environm5t 9 :i*
 he felt 8 manhood fram$1 t calls =     
sep>ate rem>k--! relation ( 8 human     
fre$om to ! rule ( ,god4 ,! w> is trac$ 
9 ?is address to a ?reefold orig93 x 0  
project$ 9 ! resolution ( ! ,s\? t      
slav]y %\ld be giv5 leave to spread2 x 0
 accept$ 9 ! decision ( ! ,nor? t !     
pres5t b\nds ( slav]y %\ld n be pass$2 !
 :ole affair 0 ov]turn$1 & ! w> 0       
ov]-rul$ 9 ! purpose ( ,almighty ,god1 t
 ,nor? & ,s\?1 z a s+le ,nation1 guilty 
9 common = slav]y z a national s91 %\ld 
make full requital = all its cruelty4 ,9
 ?is ?\ght ( ,l9coln1 ! conflict+       
purposes ( ! ,nor? & ! ,s\?1 & 8 own    

det]m9ation too1 7 be+ made to b[ b5ea? 
! mighti] dom9ion ( ,almighty ,god4 ,9 !
 realm ( human politics ?is is a r>e &  
notable confession4 ,& t x 0 publi%$    
b5ea? ! op5 sky1 at noon1 be=e a peopl$ 
,nation's op5 eye1 z a ?\ghtful         
explanation ( 8 inaugural oa? z presid5t
 ( a mighty gov]nm5t ^u ! e>?1 mu/ be   
conc$$ to mightily enhance its          
notability4 ,x lacks b little ( ris+ to 
! rank ( prophecy4 ,b equally notable ) 
its publicity is its consci\s1 free     
submissiv5ess4 ,cle> to disc]n1 he is   
also prompt to own ! ov]-ma/]+ rule (   
,god4 ,8 attitude 9 ?is inaugural is an 
attitude ( explicit subord9ation to a   
high] p[]4 ,b x is cle> z day t ?is     
subord9ation is volunt>y4 ,!re is no    
sign ( reluctance or unwill+ness1 z ?\gh
 he 7 be+ =c$1 n ev5 ?\gh all           
expectations ( 8 own 7 be+ ov]-rul$ 9 ! 
inscrutable plans ( ,god4 ,?is address  
reveals ?is man 9 a mood & tone (       
complete submission1 ready = rebuke1    
surr5d]+ all 8 ways to ,god4 ,?is po/ure

 ( acquiesc5ce1 9 ,god's revolution ( 8 
plans1 & recon/ruction ( 8 hopes1 is !  
factor to notice "h1 z we exam9e !      
actual op]ation ( ,l9coln's w4 ,above 8 
private lib]ty1 above 8 high (ficial    
au?ority1 above ! great ,republic 9 :i* 
8 own decisions m]ge1 reigns ! hidd5 h& 
( ,god4 ,to ! p[] & maje/y ( t unse5    
sway he summons e dignity & e desire ( 8
 own to r5d] unres]v$ ob$i5ce4  ,9 see+ 
& say+ ?is1 h[ev]1 "o mu/ nev] omit to  
obs]ve & add t ,l9coln's eye obs]v$ )   
solemn joy a preci\s moral mean+ 9 !    
div9e omnipot5ce4 ,heav5's unexpect$    
guidance & consummation ( ! w> 7 only   
add+ cl>ity & emphasis to ! pr9ciple (  
lib]ty4 ,x only drove ! demon/ration    
home1 & t ) irresi/ible cog5cy1 t human 
bondage mu/ be av5g$4 ,& s 9 fact       
,l9coln's solemn rev]5ce = ! div9e      
control 0 a girdle confirm+ ! /r5g? ( ! 
f9e jeal\sy t gu>d$ = himself & = all   
mank9d ! sacr$ness & ! maje/y ( ! human 
w4 ,)9 ! deep] deeps ( 8 own free       
pref]5ce he co9cid$ & co-op]at$ ) ! w ( 

,god4 ,8 ob$i5ce to ,god1 8 allegiance  
to 8 civic cov5ant1 & 8 individual1     
*]i%$ pref]5ce coalesce ideally2 :ile   
ea*1 )\t any div]sion or loss1 pres]ves 
its own integrity4  ,?us ) life-exhau/+1
 sacrificial toil1 ) g5u9e orig9ality1  
ev] exemplify+ 9 8 *a/5$ life all !     
burd5 ( 8 ?\ght1 by a decisive *oice    
betwe5 div]g5t pa?s1 ) ! c>eful         
delib]at5ess ( a full-gr[n man1 )       
unconqu]able det]m9ation1 gravely       
s5sible ( e pond]\s consequ5ce1 9       
unbrok5 & intimate companion%ip ) all 8 
fell[-m51 ) vision %>p to detect &      
uncov] e simulation & c\nt]feit ( 8 wi%1
 ?r\gh solemn fell[%ip ) r$emptive      
sorr[s1 b[+ )\t repugnance to e sanction
 t free equality enjo9s1 & 9 humble     
rev]5ce = ! all-comm&+1 all-subdu+ w (  
,god1 ,l9coln "h unfolds ! c5tral &     
infold$ implications 9 8 all-consum+    
jeal\sy to be free4   ,,8               
,,k9dl9ess--,,love  ,a g5u9e & g5]\s    
goodwill to o!r m5 brea!s w>mly ?r\gh   
?is second inaugural1 z ! gl[+ brea? (  

life p]vades ! bodily frame ( a liv+    
*ild4 ,?is manife/s itself1 z se5 9 8   
impassion$ zeal = fre$om1 9 a vivid     
consci\sness ( companion%ip4 ,he felt 8 
life & de/9y int]lac$ insep>ably ) all  
,am]icans1 nay ) all ! _w ( human k9d4  
,) ?is widely exp&$ & ev] exp&+         
,republic1 he felt himself 9 ^!         
inaugural sc5es peculi>ly id5tifi$4 ,9 t
 great pageant he 0 deeply s5sible (    
hold+ ! c5tral place4 ,8 inaugural oa?1 
?\gh 8 s+le1 individual act1 ann\nc$ 8  
consci\s purpose to be ! ,nation's head4
 ,9 t /ation 8 p]son became supremely   
repres5tative4 ,x 0 = him to incorporate
 nobly1 mightily1 judicially1 ! national
 dignity1 au?ority1 & design4  ,_m      
phases ( ?is pr(\nd co9cid5ce ( ! life (
 ,l9coln ) ! ,nation's life come into   
sight :5ev] 8 life's c>e] is c>efully   
review$4 ,b among all ! illu/rations ( 8
 self-subm]g5ce deep )9 ! ov]fl[+       
fullness ( our national hi/ory1 !re is  
"o t demon/rates 8 t5d] k9dl9ess beyond 
all possibility ( refutation4 ,?is is 8 

pr(\nd p>ticipation ) ! ,nation 9 h]    
fate because ( slav]y4 ,ar\nd ?is awful 
issue circles all ! ?\ght ( ?is1 z ( !  
fir/ address4 ,t ?is puissant           
co-effici5t ( our national hi/ory 0     
someh[ ! cause ( ! exi/+ w> he said t   
all m5 felt4 ,he regi/]$ 8 own op9ion t 
all ! sorr[s ( ! w> 7 9 requital = t s94
 ,into ^? sorr[s no man ent]$ m pr(\ndly
 ?an did ,l9coln himself4 ,!y sob]$ all 
8 joy4 ,!y solemniz$ him utt]ly4 ,x is  
true few he>d 8 groans4 ,9 8 pati5ce he 
0 ma9ly sil5t4 ,none ev] he>d him make  
compla9t4 ,all impulse to res5tm5t 0    
subdu$4 ,b ! nation's sorr[s 7 on 8     
he>t4 ,?r\gh all ^? days he 0 our       
confessor1 self-sacrific$1 sorr[-lad51  
fai?ful absolutely1 b uncompla9+4 ,^u 8 
head an angry1 unanim\s ,s\?1 & _m ?\s&s
 9 ! ,nor? dealt v5geful1 malici\s bl[s1
 d5y+ him all joy1 cry+ out aga9/ him   
ru?lessly4 ,all ?is he bore1 z ?\gh he  
he>d !m n1 & cont9u$ day & night to seek
 ! ,nation's peace4 ,) m>vel\s fre$om f 
malice himself1 ) fullness ( *>ity =    

all1 he taught a ,nation h[ a ,nation's 
sorr[s %\ld be pati5tly borne4 ,& yet   
?r\gh all ! days1 9 all ?is l&1 no man 0
 m purely innoc5t ( ! ,nation's s9 (    
slav]y ?an ?is same man4 ,"h is         
fri5d%ip4 ,"h is neighborly compassion  
writt5 l>ge4 ,?is is g5]osity1 unt9ctur$
 ) any selfi% res]vation4 ,amid all !   
sorr[s & =tunes ( our hi/ory no sight is
 half z pa!tic z ?is deep1 free1 sil5t  
companion%ip ( ,l9coln ) 8 ,nation's    
griefs 9 ! deepe/ p]iod ( h] affliction4
 ,& yet he almo/ seem$ to *]i% 8 fate4  
,he bore x all s quietly1 & ) su* a     
/eady he>t & eye1 t 9 8 seem+ calm we   
are unconsci\s ( 8 pa94 ,he gives no h9t
 ( falt]+ & draw+ back4 ,he ev5 /rove   
repeat$ly to lure ! ,nation to 8 side1  
to ent] into sacrificial fell[%ip ) !   
hapless ,s\?4 ,b to no?+ ( ?is w\ld ! p 
he>4  ,?is comm&+ fact1 ! moral         
mutualness ( ! innoc5t ,l9coln's sorr[s 
) ! sorr[s ( a guilty l&1 is a prim>y   
factor 9 ?is hi/oric sc5e4 ,f su* a     
moral complication mom5t\s que/ions     

em]ge4 ,h[ c su* confusion ( moral      
issues be ev] ju/ifi$8 ,:y d guilty &   
innoc5t suff] & sorr[ alike8 ,9 su* a   
gl>+ moral inequality h[ c\ld ,l9coln   
himself ev] br+ 8 c&id m9d to hone/ly   
acquiesce8 ,:y %\ld a lat] g5]ation     
suff] v5geance = _! fa!r's s9s8 ,:y !   
black man's fate8 ,h[ c moral judgm5ts  
div]ge s hopelessly ^u su* basic moral  
!mes8 ,if ,god's judgm5t is j1 :y are 8 
judgm5ts ^u su* inhumanity s long       
delay$8 ,h[ ab\t ^? k9dr$ suff]+s ( ^?  
e>li] days t = total g5]ations 7        
unav5g$8 ,que/ions su* z ^! mu/ h ris5 9
 ,l9coln's m9d z he dra9$ 8 bitt] cup4  
,su* que/ions are n to be evad$ or      
suppress$4 ,x %\ld r be said t ,l9coln's
 und5iable g5tl5ess 9 endur+1 z !       
,nation's head1 & = 8 c\ntry's sake1 a  
,nation's curse = a national s9 =ces j  
su* que/ions into %>pe/ def9ition1 &    
focuses !m insi/5tly & unavoidably be=e 
e ?\ghtful eye4 ,!y are %ap$ & fa/5$ "h 
solely to r5d] aid 9 indicat+1 z !y     
und5iably d1 ! supreme ref9em5t (       

,l9coln's fri5dl9ess4 ,he held by k9dly 
fell[%ip ) 8 fell[m51 ev5 :5 t fell[%ip 
involv$ 8 innoc5t life 9 ! moral %ame & 
pa9 ( _! reprobation & woe4 ,"h is an   
int]*ange ( guilt & innoc5ce1 9         
,l9coln's und5iable exp]i5ce1 und5iably 
resolv$ & h>moniz$4 ,"h is human        
k9dl9ess1 triumphant1 transc5d+ all     
debate4  ,ar\nd ?is exalt$ illu/ration (
 ! /r5g? & purity ( ,l9coln's b5evol5ce 
clu/] _m /atem5ts eag] to be he>d4 ,8   
k9dness %[$ 9 _m ways1 b !y 7 all b     
v>y+1 accordant =ms ( pure              
neighborl9ess4 ,8 ma/]y ( all malice1 8 
unfail+ *>ity1 ! k9dl9ess ( 8 *]i%$     
hope1 8 companion%ip ) o!rs' sorr[1 8   
long+s = peace at home & among all m51 8
 pity = ! b]eft1 8 t5d]ness be=e our    
human w\nds1 8 reluctance to g to w>1 8 
*ampion%ip ( ! oppress$1 8 will+ness to 
be> ano!r's blame1 8 sil5ce be=e abuse1 
8 mighty pr$ilections t[>ds univ]sal    
fri5dl9ess1 are all concordant &        
co9cid5t types & =ms ( 8 prevail+1      
spontane\s companion%ip ) m54 ,ea* phase

 des]ves elaborate description4 ,b x is 
9 clos] keep+ ) ! treatm5t "h to "n "s  
g5]al qualities ( 8 k9dl9ess1 qualities 
t are common to all its =ms4  ,8        
fri5dl9ess 0 imm$iate4 ,:5 human ne$s   
appeal$ = com=t & aid1 x 0 n 8 way to   
s5d a deputy4 ,he appe>$ himself4 ,"h is
 some?+ no?+ less ?an m>vel\s4 ,an      
intimate fri5d ( all1 he /ood 9 consci\s
 t\* ) all ! ,nation's citiz5%ip4 ,at   
fir/ ?\ght ?is may seem to be 9         
consequ5ce & by means ( 8 em95ce & (fice
 z ! p's presid5t4 ,z *ief executive ( !
 p's w1 & z =emo/ repres5tative citiz51 
he /ood = e man 9 t man's place2 & 8    
univ]sal fri5dl9ess f\nd op5 av5ues to e
 individual citiz5's consci\sness4 ,"h  
is tru?4 ,b ?is tru? only p>tially meets
 ?is case4 ,! op]ations ( 8 b5evol5ce 7 
someh[ indep5d5t ( space & "t4 ,8 t\rs  
:ile presid5t 7 %ort & few4 ,back & =?  
betwe5 ! ,:ite ,h\se1 ! w> (fice1 & !   
soldi]'s home he wore a hi/oric pa?4 ,x 
is almo/ ov]:elm+ly sad to realize h[   
almo/ all 8 movem5ts :ile presid5t 7 )9 

! sorr[-%ad[$ walls & ! hidd5 solitudes 
( 8 (ficial home4 ,z said be=e1 he seem$
 to exi/ ap>t f m51 9 a pa!tic          
isolation4 ,nev]!less1 x is pla9 to all 
t ,l9coln's uncalculat+ g5]osity rea*$1 
l ! %9+ ( ! sun1 to ! limits ( ! l&4 ,x 
is mo/ surpris+ :5 "o ?9ks4 ,b :5 "o    
?9ks1 x is mo/ cle> t !re 0 9 ,l9coln's 
k9dl9ess a ,nation-wide capacity =      
intimacy4 ,9 ! op5 g5ial pres5ce ( 8    
good-w all m5 feel !y h an imm$iate &   
equal %>e4 ,& ?is holds true :e!r "o is 
ne> en\gh to feel ! w>m? ( 8 liv+ brea?1
 or :e!r half a cont95t int]v5es4  ,?is 
fact =ces into view & consci\sness !    
pure excell5ce ( 8 love4 ,x 0 9 its     
nature deeply real4 ,he did 9 v]ity live
 close to e man4 ,he wore no di/ant air4
 ,he practis$ no res]ve4 ,he felt &     
prov$ himself to be ! k9 ( all4 ,8      
pictur$ face & publi%$ spee* 7 a p]fect 
symbol1 a conv9c+ pl$ge to e hone/ man (
 close & equal p>tn]%ip4 ,8 ways are (t5
 said to h be5 homely4 ,b _! v homel9ess
 0 all human & all humane4 ,& 9 8       

pres5ce1 or 9 ! pres5ce ( any tru?ful   
impress or e*o ( 8 life1 no hone/ nature
 b feels itself in/antly at ease & q at 
home4 ,?is habitude 9 him ( ov]com+     
di/ance1 & abs5ce1 & all o!r ob/acles to
 8 f>-rang+ love1 & w9n+ entrance       
ev]y:]e into ! affections ( all k9dly   
m51 is a notable /amp ^u ! total texture
 ( 8 fri5dl9ess4 ,he /ood ) m5 9 p]sonal
 p>tn]%ip1 imm$iate1 intimate1 real4  ,&
 9 all 8 intimate & imm$iate fell[%ip ) 
m5 8 p]sonal contribution 0 entire4 ,9 8
 co-p>tn]%ip he _h no treasure too      
preci\s to inve/4 ,he gave 8 all4       
,impos+1 almo/ impossible z is ! mean+ (
 ^! words1 all mank9d d recognize1 & t )
 wond]+ rev]5ce1 t :5 ,l9coln rose to   
take ! presid5tial oa?1 he held no?+    
back4 ,9 8 s]vice ( ! ,union he inve/$ 8
 life1 8 honor1 8 hope1 ev5 all he _h4  
,x 0 little else he _h to give4 ,8      
l9eage 0 ( ! l[lie/4 ,8 education 0 ( ! 
meag]e/1 & :olly a by-a*ievem5t4 ,9     
social graces he 0 q unv]s$ & unadorn$4 
,he 0 no flatt]]4 ,! fawn]'s dialect he 

nev] knew4 ,he w\ld n boa/4 ,to beg he 0
 a%am$4 ,he 0 too hone/ = any knav]y4   
,pure integrity 0 8 only asset4 ,z he   
took 8 /& at ! presid5tial po/1 he /ood 
)\t a s+le decoration1 unsupport$1 all  
alone4 ,x 0 lit]al tru? t :5 he took 8  
(ficial oa? ! only bond he _h to furni% 
0 8 nak$ honor4 ,b t possession 0 no    
c\nt]feit4 ,its value did n fluctuate4  
,x 0 solid gold4 ,9 8 hone/ rat+1 !     
plight$ fai? 9 ! words ( 8 (ficial pl$ge
 0 beyond all price4 ,z he disc]n$ &    
und]/ood ! crisis ( 8 day1 ! ,nation's v
 be+ 0 at mortal /ake4 ,& :5 9 t mom5t\s
 h\r %e summon$ him to take ! presid5cy1
 %e laid sov]eign requisition ^u 8 total
 be+4 ,& :5 he obey$ ! call1 he inve/$  
all4 ,no res]ve ( 8 possession 0 kept 9 
hid+ = 8 refuge & reimbursem5t1 9 case !
 ,nation fail$4 ,he v5tur$ all he _h1   
ev5 all 8 honor4 ,& ?is complete        
consignm5t by ,l9coln to ! ,nation's use
 ( all 8 moral weal?1 ( all 8 pure &    
priceless p]sonal wor?1 0 an act (      
unalloy$ b5ignity4 ,x 0 = ! ,nation's   

welf>e t he devot$ himself4 ,x 0 t !    
,union might be pres]v$1 & t all m5     
might be free1 t he plight$ 8 integrity4
  ,?is inve/m5t ( ,l9coln's fri5dl9ess =
 ! well-be+ ( all ! l&1 ev5 ( all ! m5  
!re91 0 n alone imm$iate1 w9n+ direct   
atta*m5t to e man2 nor m]ely all-absorb+
 on ,l9coln's "p1 impress+ into k9dly   
s]vice e value & e capacity ( 8 total   
life2 x also en%r9$ a dea?less hope4    
,l9coln's patriotic devot$ness 0 no     
v5ture ( a day or ( a decade4 ,l9coln's 
good-w look$ f> ahead4 ,he _h a passion 
= immortality4 ,8 total ef=t & aim 9 all
 8 g5]\s endeavors & hopes1 z he s]v$ 9 
8 public life1 c be def9$ z a sov]eign  
aspiration t our gov]nm5t %\ld be s     
guid$ & *a/5$ 9 all its life t ! ,union 
%\ld nev] be dissolv$4 ,to 8 k9dly he>t 
no possible ev5t seem$ m appall+ ?an t  
?is hope %\ld fail4 ,s f> z 8 words     
reveal1 ?is c5tral1 sov]eign passion ( 8
 gl[+ he>t 0 all b exclusively          
patriotic4 ,he app>5tly =got himself 9 8
 wi/ful anxi\s hope t ! ,nation's peace 

might long endure4 ,8 fai? 9 ! ,union's 
inde/ructibility may be said to spr+ out
 ( 8 undy+ cont9ual love = 8 fell[man4  
,inde$ j "h seems to be ! bir?place (   
all 8 prophetic pond]+s ov] ! f9al      
issues ( our civic life4 ,! v /ature ( !
 gov]nm5t :i* 8 ideal conceiv$ & :i* he 
?ankfully saw t our ,republic design$1 0
 deem$ by him to be copi$ f no?+ o!r ?an
 ! div9ely fa%ion$ moral nature :i* he  
f\nd alike 9 himself & 9 all 8 fell[m54 
,deep )9 8 fri5dly he>t he *]i%$ !      
vision ( a ,republic ( freem5 leagu$    
toge!r indissolubly z mutual fri5ds4 ,x 
0 to realize & c]tify t hope t he       
d$icat$ 8 life4 ,& :5 he pl$g$ & seal$ t
 (f]+1 x 0 ) no design t ! seal %\ld ev]
 be brok51 or ! pl$ge be ev] recall$4   
,"h is ano!r prim>y quality ( ,l9coln's 
fri5dl9ess4 ,x 0 inwr\ght ) p]sonal     
durability4 ,gr\nd$ z 0 8 civic hope 9 !
 fre$om & consci5ce ( ,godlike m51 x 0  
impossible = him to cons5t t su* a hope 
%\ld ev] enc\nt] defeat or decay4 ,deep 
& sure )9 its ess5tial nature 7 ! urg5t 

prompt+s & ! so>+ promise ( immortality4
  ,^! obs]vations ^u ! imm$iate         
directness1 ! integral :ole-he>t$ness1 &
 ! dea?less eag]ness ( ,l9coln's        
fri5dl9ess1 if ?\ghtfully comp>$ toge!r1
 reveal t ^! di/9ctive phases ( 8       
outp\r+ good-w are 9 nature id5tically !
 same1 & spr+ f an id5tical s\rce4 ,?is 
ess5tial co9cid5ce1 ?is mutual conv]g5ce
 des]ves att5tion4 ,x intimates :]e9 ! v
 ess5ce & be+ ( 8 neighborly k9dness    
consi/s4 ,& 9 ,l9coln's life ?is        
indication ( ! precise :]eab\ts &       
sub/ance ( ! ess5tial & inn]mo/ quality 
& be+ ( human k9dl9ess is c]ta9 & cle>1 
z 9 h>dly any o!r man4 ,8 b5ignance 9 8 
deal+s ) m5 is ( well-nigh unp>allel$   
op5ness & fre$om f all admixture &      
alloy4 ,l9coln's k9dness embodies &     
conveys ,l9coln's self4 ,9 e favor f him
 he is 9 ! gift4 ,9 ! c5t] ( all !      
fri5dl9ess t is *>act]i/ic ( ,l9coln1   
,l9coln himself /&s erect & entire1 (f]+
 & comm5d+ 9 e case 8 full-siz$1        
undivid$ self4 ,?is is ! core & ?is !   

circumf]5ce1 ?is is ! sum & ?is !       
sub/ance ( 8 good-w4 ,x is ri* ) all 8  
p]sonal weal?1 solid ) all 8 p]sonal    
wor?4 ,9 him an act ( fri5d%ip 0 an     
inauguration ( p]sonal cop>tn]%ip4 ,9 8 
good-w 0 all ! en]gy ( 8 life4 ,9 8     
b5efactions he gave himself4 ,j s ) 8   
compassions4 ,) ! sorr[s ( humanity x 0 
8 way to ent] into p]sonal fell[%ip4    
,?is 0 ! =m & be+ ( all 8 g5]osity4 ,8  
ma/]y ov] all malice :5 fac+ a foe1 8   
ab\nd+ *>ity :5 judg+ a wrong1 8 he>ty  
gladness 9 ! pres5ce ( human joy1 8     
cordial ways 9 greet+ fri5ds1 8 fa!rly  
affection = 8 boy1 8 love = 8 native l&1
 8 pity 9 pres5ce ( ! b]eft1 8 sadness  
at sight ( w\nds1 8 read9ess to %>e     
ev5ly ) all 8 ,nation all t guilty      
,nation's pa9ful discipl9e--all ?is     
v>iety & pl5itude ( ample1 op5-he>t$    
t5d]ness t[>ds o!r m5 0 alike & always !
 complete & consci\s contribution (     
himself4 ,9 brief1 9 full1 & f9ally1    
,l9coln's fri5dl9ess1 ?r\gh all its     
beautiful v]satility1 0 a free & facile1

 a full & total1 p]sonal self-devotion4 
,?is is ! common cont5t giv+ all its    
value to all ! =ms ( 8 human k9dl9ess4  
,,8 ,,pur5ess--,,life  ,9 ! exposition j
 =ego+1 ! ?\ght has be5 drawn into      
allusions to ,l9coln's premonitions or  
aspirations t[>ds immortality1 = !      
,union1 if n = himself4 ,?is 0 9 ! c\rse
 ( an ef=t to f9d ! spr+-head ( 8       
k9dl9ess4 ,& x culm9at$ 9 ! sugge/ion t 
deep )9 ,l9coln's be+ !re 0 en%r9$ an   
assurance1 h[ev] unconfess$ or ev5 half 
unconsci\s1 ( p]sonal immortality4 ,& t 
f )9 ?is %r9e ( liv+ hope1 common to him
 ) e man1 he drew 8 inspiration & 8 v   
patt]n ( a national ,union & a national 
peace t w\ld endure =ev]4  ,"h is some?+
 t calls = exam9ation1 = 9 ?is we t\* a 
radical quality ( ,l9coln's moral be+4  
,?is eag] crav+ aft] p]man5ce 0 9 him an
 appetite t c\ld nev] be f$ or satisfi$ 
by any ?+s t p]i%4 ,9 itself & 9 its    
nutrim5t !re is an irrepealable call =  
some?+ indefeasable1 some?+ utt]ly      
sup]ior to all fe> ( dea?1 some?+ nev]  

am5able to any =m ( dissolution or      
decay1 some?+ spiritually pure1 &       
ess5tially k9dr$ to ! ess5tial be+ ( a  
dea?less s\l4  ,! matt] may be approa*$ 
to />t ) by say+ "s ?+s negatively4     
,l9coln 0 c5trally 9 no s5se a          
mat]iali/4 ,he 0 inde$ firmly s5sitive  
to ! physical maje/ies ( ?is cont95t1   
?\gh 9 8 day !y 7 h>dly half disclos$4  
,he calculat$ ) c>efulness our mat]ial  
capacities = expansion 9 p[] & weal?4   
,he =esaw our c]ta9 outw>d gr[? into a  
puissant ,nation1 ! covet$ & ample      
resort & refuge & home ( hordes ( m5 f  
o!r l&s4 ,9 8 own well-season$ &        
res\rceful physique he felt & knew !    
wor? ( physical virility4 ,he c\ld      
?\ghtfully compute ! glitt]+ values1 !  
goodly f9ancial rev5ues1 ! days & mon?s 
& total seasons ( physical idl5ess &    
delights t accrue to human own]s f !    
unrequit$ toil ( human slaves4 ,& 9 !   
curr5t civil w> he completely und]/ood t
 no less a conc]n ?an ! p]petuity ( !   
,am]ican ,union 0 p5d+ ^u conte/s l>gely

 consi/+ ( enc\nt]s ( physical pr[ess1 (
 te/s ( muscul> endurance & /r5g?4  ,b n
 9 calculations su* z ^! did 8 ?\ghtful 
/udies ( human welf>e take ultimate     
resort1 or f9d f9al re/4 ,8 conception (
 ! ideal /ate1 ( ! ideal citiz51 ( !    
ideal life1 0 n con/ruct$ or inspir$ f  
c>nal elem5ts4 ,he not$ ) life-long     
sadness ! sordid bas5ess insep>ably     
att5d+ ! fact ( own+ or be+ a slave4 ,he
 deeply saw t ^? battles 9 ! ,wild]ness 
7 no m]e conflicts ( bea/s4 ,& nev] c\ld
 he imag9e or all[ t 8 p]sonal weight1 &
 =ce1 & wor? 7 ratable by gymna/ic te/s4
 ,x 0 n ^u ?+s l ^! t ,l9coln's att5tion
 & hope 7 fix$1 :5 8 hopes & plans = our
 prosp]ity took =m4 ,to ! :ole _w ( 8   
mat]ial environm5t he 0 m>vel\sly       
indiff]5t4 ,on e p]usal ( 8 life "o     
grieves at ! /ory ( 8 pov]ty1 & ! sad   
infrequ5cy & meag]ness 9 8 daily life ( 
! pleasures & recreations :i* are = !   
com=t & happ9ess ( m5 9 mat]ial ?+s4 ,b 
9 ?is he seems z ?\gh unconsci\s ( any  
disappo9tm5t4 ,= himself z = ! ,nation1 

& = ! ,nation z = himself1 8            
satisfaction & confid5ce 7 n born & f$ (
 ?+s t p]i% 9 _! use4 ,luxury 9 food or 
attire1 h[ev] too?some or attractive to 
o!r natures1 /irr$ b ! feeble/ hank]+s1 
if any at all1 9 him4 ,t[>ds s5sualism (
 any sort1 :e!r gluttony1 drunk5ness or 
lu/1 8 s\nd & temp]ate manl9ess did n   
incl9e4 ,& 9 8 e/imate ( p]sonal "* 8   
eye & respect did n re/ 9 out]          
attitudes1 on pr9t$1 age-long codes (   
mann]4 ,he 0 no slave ( /ately          
c]emonies1 or artificial etiquette4 ,nor
 9 religion did he b9d 8 tongue to cre$s
 h[ev] ho>y1 nor to rituals h[ev] augu/4
 ,he swore n by ! oa?s ( any sect1 h[ev]
 anci5t & r5[n$4 ,nei!r 9 ?is m\nta9 nor
 9 t did he wor%ip ,god4  ,b on ! o!r   
h&1 & n[ to speak affirmatively1 ,l9coln
 liv$ no p5ury-/rick5 life4 ,! res\rces 
)9 8 p]sonality 7 well-nigh             
incalculable4 ,few m5 9 all our national
 catalogue h be5 end[$ by ,god ) s /]l+ 
& abundant int]ior weal?4 ,& ( all      
,am]ican patriotic b5efactors few inde$ 

h left 9 _! s+le individual "n & "r su* 
priceless legacies to _! native l&4 ,:at
 is life8 ,:at is human life8 ,:]e91    
completely & precisely :]e91 is man     
di/+ui%able f ! bea/8 ,= answ]1 /udy    
,l9coln & see4 ,9 ! full developm5t (   
su* a /udy _m massive v]ities w unfold4 
,b ! feature 9 ,l9coln's manhood1 :i*   
?is *apt] is set ap>t to designate &    
cl>ify1 is ! simple purity1 ! elem5tal  
spirituality ( all 8 elem5tal traits4 ,8
 dom9ant s5tim5ts1 8 prim>y convictions1
 8 ma9 & all-ma/]+ decisions 7 nev] born
 to die4 ,!y 7 in/9ct ) life1 ) life    
inde$1 a life nev] fail+1 ev] m abundant
 & free4  ,?is int]ior vitality1 ?is    
unalloy$ & undecay+ purity may be       
describ$ "o way z a real idealism4 ,b 9 
ascrib+ idealism to ,l9coln1 x ne$s to  
be said at once t ,l9coln's idealism1   
real & glori\s z x mu/ surely be        
confess$ to be1 0 transp>5tly & unv>y+ly
 practical4 ,9 "o way x may be def9$ z  
hope4 ,a wait+ hope 0 a /&>d *>act]i/ic 
( ,l9coln's attitude4 ,8 sorr[ful eye   

held fa/ to ?+s z yet unrealizable4 ,x  
is impressive to see h[ (t5 & h[ fondly 
he m5tion$ ! future1 ! va/ future1 z he 
t]m$ x1 ( our ,am]ican c>e]4 ,! secret (
 ! beauty & ( ! p[] ( "s ( 8 l(tie/ &   
mo/ spontane\s rhetoric is due to j ?is 
solemn eag]ness t[>ds ! com+ days4 ,z "o
 comes to /udy m int5tly into ! outlay (
 8 h]oic /r5g?1 8 /ruggle & toil are se5
 to be lea%$ ab\t 8 consum+ wi% t !     
,nation 9 its undivid$ might c\ld be    
unifi$ ab\t ! spe$y fulfillm5t ( 8      
prophetic aims4 ,he nev] =got ! mighty  
lesson1 nor lo/ ! liv+ inspiration ( 8  
own advancem5t f humble/ /ation (       
ignorance & toil+ pov]ty to ! presid5cy4
 ,t trans=mation he lov$ to humbly hold 
be=e ! att5tion ( 8 fell[ ,am]icans1 z a
 patt]n ( :at might any:]e occur aga94  
,he lov$ to l+] ^u ! possibilities (    
upw>d movem5t 9 ! ranks ( all labor+ m54
 ,l>ge place & honorable position 7 giv5
 to ?is ar\s+ !me 9 8 fir/ annual       
message to ,congress4 ,?is g5]al        
topic--! f>-set1 so>+ possibilities (   

human bett]m5t--held con/ant & comm&+   
em95ce 9 ! rang+ measure ( 8 eagle-se>*+
 ?\ght4 ,= ! ,nation1 & = its e         
inhabitant1 he 0 a true ideali/4  ,b    
,l9coln's idealism1 aga9 be x said1 0 no
 wild indulg5ce ( a vagrant & untra9$   
imag9ation4 ,x 0 utt]ly sob]-m9d$4 ,x   
took its =m & f\nd its =ce 9 ! c5t] ( 8 
sane/ ?\ghtfulness4 ,! t]ms 9 :i* its   
description has j be5 illu/ratively     
trac$ %[ x to be p]fectly rational1 &   
ev5 matt]-(-fact4 ,l9coln's idealism 0  
no?+ else b a he$ful int]pretation ( !  
prop] de/9y ( man4 ,x 0 a reflection 9  
t]ms ( c>efule/ ?\ght1 albeit also 9 !  
guise ( ard5t hope1 ( ! ess5tial        
l9eam5ts 9 ! nature ( man4 ,& no human  
portrait by any arti/ 0 ev] tru] to     
fact1 :ile yet t+$ ) fancy1 pure & free4
 ,9 all 8 pictur+ ( ?+s yet to be1 b n  
yet 9 h&1 8 eye 0 fa/5$ ) an anatomi/'s 
int5tness ^u ! actual human nature      
imp]i%ably pres5t 9 e man4 ,no?+ t      
,l9coln's idealism ev] propos$ ev]      
div]g$ f ! b\nds ( ! orig9al fiat creat+

 all m5 equal & free4 ,t und5iable      
initial v]ity1 itself ! key/one ( our   
national ,con/itution & ,bill ( ,rights1
 suppli$ to ,l9coln's hope its total &  
only inspiration4 ,9 ^? anci5t &        
elem5tal realities1 realities t deeply  
und]lie & long outla/ all ! cults &     
cu/oms & c5turies :i* human ?\ght is s  
prone to diff]5tiate & divide1 ,l9coln  
detect$ solid f\ndations & ample w>rant 
= age-long1 undissolv+ expectations4 ,9 
e human face !re are outl9es t are =ev] 
indelible4 ,^! unfail+ l9eam5ts ,l9coln 
_h ! eye to see4 ,& :at is va/ly m1 he  
_h ! c\rage & ! hone/y to adopt !m z !  
patt]n ( ! plat=m1 & to voice !m z !    
notes ( ! battle-peal ( 8 /atesman%ip4  
,& ?is he did "r witt+ly1 kn[+ assur$ly 
t !re9 8 vision _h caught ! gleam ( ?+s 
et]nal2 t !re9 he _h made discov]y t    
man1 ev5 ! humble/ ( 8 race1 c\ld claim 
to be1 z he phras$ x to a company (     
blacks1 k9dr$ to ! great ,god :o made   
him4 ,?is am\nts to say+ t ,l9coln's    
/atesman%ip may be completely &         

precisely def9$ z ! /udi$ & delib]ate   
exploitation1 ^u ! field ( politics1 (  
^? =ces1 c5tral & common 9 all mank9d1 t
 are ,godlike1 immortal1 spiritual4  ,"h
 we rea* a def9ition t outl9es ) close  
precision a trait ( ,l9coln's full-=m$  
"* t held a prim>y place 9 w9n+ =       
,l9coln 8 immortal r5[n4 ,he atta*$     
himself to ?+s !mselves immortal4 ,8    
ideal hope _h no admixture ( clay1 nor  
ev5 ( gold4 ,he made no composition or  
compromise ) any?+ t dies4 ,8 supreme   
desire 0 ( a nature nev] to decay4 ,x 0 
pure ) ! dea?less purity ( ! human s\l4 
,to ?is pure pr9ciple1 et]nal loyalty to
 ! immortal dignity ( man1 he sign$ &   
seal$ 8 s\l's allegiance ) bonds t ev5  
dea? c\ld nev] relax4 ,su* /atem5ts     
describe a prim>y co-effici5t 9         
,l9coln's e?ical life4 ,abjur+ !        
unnumb]$ allurem5ts ( ! mat]ial _w1     
allurem5ts ^: fasc9ations unfail+ly     
fade1 & repos+ 8 confid5ce :olly 9      
treasures t "t & use only bright5 &     
ref9e1 ,l9coln reveals 9 ! realm ( e?ics

 ! s+ul> excell5ce ( an ideal t c k9dle 
9 an immortal man an immortal hope4     
,purg+ e sort ( bas5ess out ( ! c5tral  
life1 & en?ron+ an all-ref9+ pur5ess 9 !
 sov]eign desires & visions & designs1  
he has inaugurat$ 9 ! field ( civics an 
idealism t w honor e man1 fit actual    
life1 & endure =ev]4 ,p]sonal pur5ess1  
?is p]vades ! life ( ,l9coln z cry/all9e
 beauty p]vades a block ( m>ble4  ,?is  
ref9+ trait 9 ,l9coln1 ?is inn] hung] = 
8 liv+ s\l's true nutrim5t1 ?is ?ir/ = !
 pure1 p]5nial spr+s1 f9ds signal       
illu/ration 9 ! clos+ s5t5ce ( ?is la/  
inaugural1 :]e he pleads ) all 8        
fell[-citiz5s to s conduct all civic    
int]e/s z to secure among ourselves & ) 
all ,nations a la/+ peace4 ,t crav+ aft]
 p]man5ce 9 civic h>mony betok5s an     
impulse t[>ds immortality2 & re/s d[n1 z
 ! entire inaugural expla9s1 ^u t only  
basis ( endur+ civic quietude1 an hone/ 
& univ]sal recognition & respect = ^?   
indelible & univ]sal l9eam5ts ( p]sonal 
dignity :i* ! ,creator ( m5 has trac$ ^u

 e human s\l--l9eam5ts f :i* ! obscur+  
dross ( c5turies 0 be+ purg$ 9 !        
,provid5tial fires ( an awful w>4 ,j ?is
 0 ! mean+ ( ! w>1 z ,l9coln und]/ood   
its "w4 ,t e>?-born sordidness :i* m>k$ 
all slaves z common *attels1 0 be+ burnt
 out ( our national life1 z our base/   
national s94 ,!nce=?1 =ev]more1 x 0     
,l9coln's liv+ hope t all mank9d might  
peacefully agree to supremely *]i% &    
mutually respect ^? human values t human
 unfri5dl9ess1 & c5turies ( contempt1   
h[ev] deeply !y may obscure1 c nev]     
oblit]ate4 ,^u su* endur+ f\ndations1 & 
^u su* f\ndations alone1 ,l9coln cle>ly 
saw1 c\ld human peace endure4  ,& ^u ?is
 same f\ndation re/s 8 fir/ inaugural z 
well4 ,9 all ^? mon?s ( special /udy1   
ensu+ betwe5 8 election 9 ,novemb] (    
#ahfj & 8 inauguration 9 ,m>* 9 #ahfa1 &
 = an ample sev5 ye>s be=e1 ,l9coln 0   
feel+ aft] civic p]petuity4 ,& :5 he    
/ood be=e ! ,nation to publi% 8 fir/    
inaugural address1 8 supreme conc]n 0   
fix$ ^u ! ?reat5$ & imp5d+ ru9 ( !      

,republic4 ,he !re fac$ a m5ac+ ,s\?1   
irreconcilable1 & resolute = dissolution
 or blood4 ,t outcry+ situation br\ght  
f9al issues ne>4 ,mu/ ! ,union p]i%8    
,c\ld ! ,union endure8 ,civic           
dissolution or civic p]petuity--?is 0 ! 
imm$iate1 ! unreliev$1 ! om9\s          
alt]native4 ,9 ! fi]y heat ( civic hate1
 flam+ into civil w>1 ,l9coln _h to seek
 = civic pr9ciples t hate c\ld n subv]t1
 nor ! fires ( w> consume2 pr9ciples too
 /rong to admit defeat1 too pure to be  
dissolv$4  ,nev] did a /atesman b5d ov] 
a grav] task1 nor ) a m hone/ & pati5t  
he>t1 nor ) a m9d m div9ely fa%ion$ &   
furni%$ to compreh5d & p5etrate ! actual
 case 9 h&4 ,z 9 a *emi/'s alembic1 he  
fus$ & tri$ our ,con/itution & all our  
hi/ory4 ,into t fir/ inaugural he       
incorporat$ ! issues ( 8 ?\ght4 ,& ?is 0
 its simple1 sole result3--,slav]y is ! 
only sub/antial dispute4 ,) ! p is      
ultimate ju/ice4 ,) ,god is ultimate    
tru?4 ,we are n enemies4 ,we are fri5ds4
 ,9 ?is supreme dispute let u conf] &   

legislate z fri5ds1 & !n z fri5ds live  
toge!r 9 an amity t %all be p]petual4   
,?is is ! uncomp\nd$ ess5ce ( 8 fir/    
inaugural1 z ( all 8 political          
philosophy4 ,9 univ]sal fre$om1 by      
mutual p]suasion1 & 9 ev5 fri5dl9ess1   
let our ,union =ev] endure4 ,"h aga9 is 
a /atesman's publication & h]oic def5se 
( a pure1 immortal hope1 voic$ 9 an     
appeal & upheld by argum5ts z spiritual 
& pure z ! inmo/ be+ & utmo/ de/9y ( !  
liv+ s\ls ( m54  ,no /udy ( ! transc5d5t
 mom5tum 9 ,l9coln's life ( spiritual   
realities c fairly ov]look 8 spee* 9    
,peoria1 ,octob] #af1 #ahed4 ,x is1 z he
 said at ! "t1 sub/antially a repetition
 ( an address at ,spr+field1 twelve days
 be=e4 ,x made ,l9coln a p[] 9 national 
politics4 ,x 0 ! comm&+ beg9n+ ( 8      
comm&+ c>e]4 ,t ye>1 #ahed1 began !     
convulsion :i* made him presid5t1       
involv$ ! w>1 & end$ 9 8 viol5t dea?4 ,z
 matt]s /ood on ,new ,ye> ( #ahed1      
slav]y 01 by act ( ,congress 9 !        
,miss\ri ,compromise ( #ahbj1 !nce=?    

=bidd5 to spread any:]e 9 ,unit$ ,/ates 
t]ritory nor? ( ! s\!rn b\nd>y (        
,miss\ri4 ,9 ! e>ly half ( #ahed ,s5ator
 ,d\glas drove ?r\gh ,congress a bill1  
creat+ ! t]ritory ( ,nebraska1 :i*      
decl>$ ! ,compromise prohibition ( #ahbj
 inop]ative & void4 ,!nce=? slav]y might
 spread any:]e4 ,?is is ! repeal ( !    
,miss\ri ,compromise4  ,t repeal br\ght 
,l9coln to 8 feet4 ,& f ! day ( t       
,peoria spee* ,l9coln 01 to see+ eyes1 a
 man ( de/9y4 ,=1 n = t day1 nor = t    
c5tury1 nor = ?is cont95t alone did     
,l9coln frame & jo9 t spee*4 ,let any   
logical m9d attempt a logical syn!sis ( 
t address1 m>k+ well :at affirmations   
are supreme4 ,n out ( conditions t v>y )
 ! latitudes1 nor out ( op9ions t *ange 
z k improves1 & n f s5tim5ts t bloom &  
fade z d ! pass+ fl[]s1 0 t address     
con/ruct$4 ,x h&les ?+s et]nal4 ,its    
c5tral propositions outwe> ! c5turies4  
,its conclusions are comp\nd$ f /uff t  
is inde/ructible4 ,& ! pi]s ^u :i* !y   
re/ are z /eadfa/ z ! ev]la/+ hills4    

,fre$om1 union1 p]petuity 7 its only    
positive !mes4 ,let u save ! ,union 0   
its c5tral call2 & s save x z to make & 
keep x =ev] wor? ! sav+--s save x t !   
succe$+ g5]ations ( free1 happy p1 ! _w 
ov]1 %all rise up & call u bless$ to !  
late/ g5]ations4 ,! p]petual ,union (   
freem5--?is 0 8 "o pure hope4 ,( ?is    
fre$om slav]y 0 a total violation4 ,su* 
a ,union ! pr9ciple ( secession made    
=ev] impossible4 ,& 9 ! cont9ual pres5ce
 ( tyranny1 & "u ev] imp5d+ ?reats (    
disruption1 p]petuity 9 peace 0 an      
impossibility4 ,lib]ty1 equality1       
loyalty--only ^u ^! endur+ v]ities c\ld 
self-gov]nm5t ev] be built1 or ev]      
abide4 ,"h is /ability4 ,"h is h>mony4  
,"h are tru?s self-evid5t4 ,aga9/       
cruelty1 disloyalty1 & pride ^! et]nal  
pr9ciples are 9 et]nal antagonism4 ,& :5
 ! two collide1 %ocks & ?roes &         
convulsions mu/ cont9ually foll[4 ,aga9/
 human slav]y1 & all t human slav]y     
entails1 humanity in/9ctively &         
univ]sally revolts4 ,x is condemn$ by   

human righte\sness & human sympa?y      
alike4 ,repeal ! ,miss\ri ,compromise1  
repeal all compromises1 repeal !        
,decl>ation ( ,indep5d5ce1 repeal all   
pa/ hi/ory1 y /ill _c repeal human      
nature4  ,?us ,l9coln b\nd toge!r !     
argum5ts ( ?is appeal4 ,!               
irrepealability ( ! human sympa?ies 9 ! 
nature ( all m51 ! und5iable humanity ( 
! black1 self-gov]nm5t built ^u !       
creative fiat ( fre$om & equality =     
all--^u ^! endur+ propositions a ,nation
 c\ld be built ^: res\rces ei!r to      
elim9ate all evils1 pacify all          
convulsions1 & resolve all debates1 or  
to a*ieve a la/+ progress1 dignity &    
peace1 w\ld be inexhau/ible4 ,?us1 at ! 
v />t1 8 eye pi]c$ ?r\gh ! political    
turmoil ( 8 "t1 fix+ 9 ! c5tral place   
be=e ! ,nation's gaze ^? great & durable
 elem5ts :i* no /atesman c safely       
disreg>d4  ,pla9ly notable 9 all ?is is 
t p[]ful & habitual proclivity 9 ,l9coln
 to f9d out & publi% abroad ^? civic    
propositions & pr9ciples t are inwr\ght 

) p]petuity4 ,he 0 /ra9+ & toil+ t[>ds a
 triumph t "t c\ld nev] rev]se4         
,f\ndations t 7 sure to %ift1 or        
dis9tegrate1 or s9k away1 he 0 resolute 
to ov]turn1 & cle> away4 ,he *ose &     
/rove to toil & speak = ! immortal "p 9 
man1 = ages yet to come1 & = ! imm$iate 
ju/ice ( ,almighty ,god4 ,& s he fa%ion$
 =? a programme t1 l ! programme ( !    
,hebrew prophets1 circumv5t$ dea?4   ,,8
 ,,con/ancy--,,tru?  ,?is second        
inaugural conta9s a f9e example ( free &
 reason$ reliability4 ,x is 9 fact1 9   
its total /ature1 a /ately exhibit (    
delib]ate /eadfa/ness4 ,let ?is %ort    
docum5t be read1 mean:ile rememb]+ t o!r
 inaugural docum5t1 & n =gett+ all !    
unspeakable /ra9 & /ruggles ( ^? f\r    
int]v5+ ye>s4 ,! man :o spoke 9 #ahfa1 &
 ! man :o speaks n[ aga9 9 #ahfe1 /&s =?
 9 ! he>t ( ^? bewild]+ confusions ( our
 political life1 a liv+ embodim5t (     
civic con/ancy4 ,9 8 p]son national     
firmness /&s en%r9$4 ,9 ^? ripe         
convictions1 9 ^? cool & pois$          

det]m9ations1 9 ^? ard5t1 prophetic     
desires--/eadfa/1 consi/5t1 & sure--are 
traceable ! rock-l f\ndations ( our     
conf$]ate ,republic4 ,9 ^? inaugurals   
/&s a monum5t n liable soon to crumble  
away4 ,b )9 t monum5t insur+ its        
durability1 re/s z )9 & ^u a /eadfa/    
?rone1 ,l9coln's ev]la/+ fidelity4  ,to 
w9 cle> vision ( ?is f9e trait1 let "o  
read aga9 ?is second inaugural1 & locate
 truly ! c5t] ( gravity ( its second    
p>agraph4 ,!re ,l9coln is trac+ 9 broad1
 pla9 /rokes ! orig9 & on-com+ ( ! w>4  
,9 ! c5t] ( 8 /eady ?\ght ! int]e/      
c5trally at /ake 0 ! ,union4 ,on ! "o h&
 he recalls 8 own address at 8 fir/     
inauguration1 devot$1 z he says1        
altoge!r to sav+ ! ,union )\t w>4 ,on ! 
o!r h&1 he recalls insurg5t ag5ts seek+ 
to de/roy x )\t w>4 ,w> 0 deprecat$ &   
dread$ by bo? p>ties4 ,b "o w\ld make w>
 r ?an let ! ,nation survive4 ,& ! o!r  
w\ld accept w> r ?an let ! ,nation p]i%4
 ,& ! w> came4 ,z a regi/] ( ,l9coln's  
capacity = free1 intellig5t /ability1 no

 pass+ glance c 9 any s5se exhau/ or    
appreh5d ! dep? & sweep & en]gy ( ^? la/
 f\r words4 ,:5 loyalty to ! ,union 0 ! 
issue & int]e/ at /ake1 ,l9coln w\ld    
accept w>4 ,& ! w> came4  ,:5 ,l9coln   
voic$ ^? f\r words1 8 eye 0 look+ back  
?r\gh f\r dreadful1 bloody ye>s--ye>s1  
:e!r 9 prospect or 9 rem9isc5ce1 fit to 
make any human he>t recoil4 ,b z he     
surveys ^? sc5es ( hate & c>nage &      
desolation1 retrac+ & reckon+ aga9 ! sum
 ( _! awful sorr[ & co/1 & rehe>ses aga9
 8 resolution to accept ! w>1 x is )\t a
 %ad[ or a h9t ( wav]+ or remorse4 ,9   
fact he is recall+ t fateful day ( f\r  
ye>s be=e ) an eye to review & v9dicate 
t fateful resolve4 ,at ! end ( ^?       
ev5tful & sorr[-lad5 ye>s1 he is z /eady
 z at _! />t4 ,n by ! bread? ( a hair h 
8 foot+ & purpose1 8 judgm5t & endeavor 
be5 made to sw]ve4 ,!n z n[1 n[ z !n1 8 
loyalty is absolute4 ,& 9 t /urdy       
loyalty ( t lone man a see+ eye disc]ns 
no?+ less ?an ! unb5d+ maje/y ( a       
,nation's self-respect4 ,x is !         

,nation's sacr$ honor t he has 9 sacr$  
*>ge4 ,9 him ! integrity ( ! ,nation at 
l>ge f9ds a *ampion & a liv+ voice4 ,9 8
 firm-set decision ! ,nation's de/9y    
takes %ape4 ,9 ^? %ort pregnant words ! 
pr\d consi/5cy ( our total national     
c>e]1 & 8 sup]b reliability1 become1    
in/antly & = all "t1 freely1 nobly1 &   
completely id5tifi$4 ,?is is n to say t 
9 ! teem+ hi/ory ( ^? ev5tful ye>s      
,l9coln's m9d & w & s5tim5ts _h /ood 9  
/olid immobility4 ,he freely conc$es t !
 ye>s h br\ght him lessons he _h nev]   
=ese54 ,& 8 c5tral attitude 9 ?is second
 sc5e is a rev]5t inquiry into ! ways ( 
,him ^: purposes transc5d all human     
wisdom1 & require full c5turies to      
complete4 ,b /rong & cle> )9 8 rev]5t & 
l[ly acceptance ( div9e rebukes1 /&s    
unb5t & un*ang$ 8 /eadfa/1 inv9cible    
pl$ge to reveal1 on 8 own & on 8        
,nation's behalf1 ! sov]eign gr&eur (   
civic reliability4  ,9 8 fir/ message to
 ,congress ?is integral trait ( 8       
p]sonal & (ficial life f9ds maje/ic &   

mo/ def9ite explication4 ,x is ! passage
 expla9+ to ,congress1 9 precise & m9ute
 recital1 j h[ ! w> began4 ,x deals ) ^?
 om9\s ev5ts 9 ,*>le/on h>bor1 c5t]+    
ab\t h]oic ,major ,&]son1 a f$]al (fic]1
 & )9 ,=t ,sumt]1 a f$]al =t4 ,t assault
 ^u a national g>rison by ,conf$]ate    
guns 0 no haphaz>d ev5t4 ,at j t mom5t1 
& 9 j t spot ! national crisis became   
acute4 ,^u t spot1 & ^u ^? ev5ts        
,l9coln's eye 0 fix$ ) a physician's    
anxiety4 ,!re he knew he c\ld feel !    
pulse ( ! res5tm5t & resolution ( !     
,s\?4 ,day & night he held 8 f+] ^u its 
fev]i% beat4 ,& z ! fev] rose1 he m>k$ )
 exacte/ att5tiv5ess its regi/ration (  
"o condition ( ! ,s\!rn he>t3--,0 t he>t
 s hot ) civic hate t1 :5 e less] issue 
0 set aside1 & ! only issue "u review 0 
! "r ( ! ,republic to /& by its (fic]s &
 its flag1 !n ^? ,s\!rn lead]s w\ld fire
 ^u ^? (ficials 9 a f$]al =t1 & pull d[n
 t flag ^u f$]al soil8 ,if 9 a f$]al =t 
! major 9 comm&1 & 8 uni=m$ m51 :ile    
mak+ no aggression nor voic+ any ?reat1 

b act+ only z peaceful expon5ts ( !     
,nation's au?ority1 & be+ 9 exig5t ne$ (
 food1 7 to be visit$ by a national     
transport be>+ n\ght b bread1 ^u su* a  
%ip1 ^u su* a mission1 w\ld sec$+       
soldi]s op5 fire8 ,if !y w\ld1 & if t   
onslaught pass$ )\t rebuke1 !n t        
,nation's f$]al integrity 0 dissolv$4   
,su* 0 ! unmix$ issue1 & s %>ply edg$ 0 
its f9al & decisive def9ition "u        
,l9coln's h&4 ,& on 8 "p !re 0 "h no    
accid5t4 ,) =esight1 & by c>eful design 
,l9coln took pa9s to make ! problem     
pla94 ,) impressive & ideal c>efulness  
he guid$ ! action ( 8 own he>t to its   
f9al resolution1 & pr$et]m9$ ! f9al     
v]dict ( ! _w4  ,9 ! la/ supreme        
alt]native1 :5 gov]nm5t ag5ts /& 9 ne$ (
 food1 & citiz5s :o repudiate all       
loyalty fire ^u gov]nm5t transports     
freight$ only ) bread1 :at %all a       
gov]nm5t d8 ,?is 0 ! nak$ "q t ,l9coln  
fac$1 :5 he decid$ to accept & prosecute
 ! w>4 ,^u ?is "o pla9 "q1 & ^u 8 "o    
conv9c$ det]m9ation he mass$ & compact$ 

8 fir/ ,congressional address4 ,"r well 
he und]/ood its po9t1 its gravity1 & its
 range4 ,& surpass+ well 0 he fitt$ to  
be ! man to frame & demon/rate ! true   
reply4 ,9 all ! l& no f9]1 firm] exempl>
 ( elem5tal con/ancy c\ld ev] h be5 f\nd
 to guide & *e] ! ,nation's c\rse 9 ?is 
extreme/ te/ ( elem5tal self-respect4   
,let ^? words be writt5 & read aga94 ,x 
0 a te/ ( national self-respect1        
elem5tal & supreme4 ,x 0 a "q t conc]n$1
 z ,l9coln saw & said1 ! :ole family (  
man4 ,gov]nm5t ( ! p1 by ! same p--c or 
_c su* a gov]nm5t ma9ta9 its own        
integrity aga9/ its own dome/ic foes8 ,c
 x ma9ta9 its own integrity8 ,c x ma/]  
its own dome/ic foes8 ,c m5 :o assume _!
 self-control be tru/$ to ma9ta9 _!     
self-respect8 ,"h is a problem t is 9   
v]ity elem5tal & supreme4 ,:at1 9 v de$ 
& 9 solid fact1 :at is civic            
reliability8 ,:]e1 among all ! gov]nm5ts
 by m51 :]e c /eadfa/ness1 civic        
/eadfa/ness be f\nd8 ,n[h]e1 ,l9coln _h 
! eyes to see2 n[h]e1 b 9 ! civic       

con/ancy ( m5 at once gov]n+ & gov]n$4  
,only ?us & only !re1 only s & only "h1 
9 ?is heav5-favor$ l&1 did ,l9coln see1 
c any gov]nm5t ( m5 by m5 f9d fundam5tal
 base & f9al =m t %all be consi/5t1     
/able1 & real4 ,?is is gov]nm5t inde$4  
,"h is elem5tal1 civic v]ity4 ,a        
community held 9 common self-control ^u 
! basis ( common self-respect--su* a    
union alone has con/ancy4 ,?is is !     
sublime & radical civic tru? t ,l9coln  
=g$ out ^u 8 /eadfa/ he>t1 z he b5t )   
mighty pond]+s ov] ^? sc5es 9 ,*>le/on  
h>bor1 & review$ & exp\nd$ _! pregnant  
implications 9 8 initial message to     
,congress 9 #ahfa4  ,9 _m ways ?is      
con/ancy ( ,l9coln rew>ds att5tive      
?\ght4 ,= "o ?+1 x 0 radiant )          
intellig5ce4 ,inde$ 9 him ! two became  
id5tifi$4 ,z ?us conceiv$1 x %[s z pure 
& cle> consi/5cy4 ,8 fully tri$         
reliability 0 ! well-pois$ balance ( a  
m9d long-s*ool$ 9 ! art ( /eadie/       
delib]ation4 ,:5 ,l9coln held immutably 
fa/1 x 0 due to 8 inv9cible fai? t !    

conviction to :i* he clung involv$ abid+
 tru?4 ,?is quality temp]$ all 8        
firmness4 ,j "h "o f9ds ! g5esis &      
motive ( all 8 skill$ inv5tion (        
reason$1 plead+ spee*4 ,l9coln's        
prevail+ p[] ( urg5t argum5t roots 9 !  
deep p]si/5cy ( 8 conv9c$ belief4 ,x 0  
because ( an impassion$ confid5ce1 an   
assurance t 0 vibrant ) a note (        
triumph1 t 8 grasp ( any rul+ purpose 0 
s unwav]+ly firm4 ,?is 0 8 mood &       
attitude 9 all ! major cont5tions ( 8   
life4 ,to ! c5tral t5ets t ^? cont5tions
 involv$ he held ) all ! firmness ( !   
root$ hills4 ,t\*+ ^? prim>y pr9ciples 9
 8 "* & politics 8 m9d & fai? seem to h 
atta9$ an absolute confirmation4 ,& f ^?
 settl$ positions he c\ld nev] be mov$4 
,con/ancy 9 him 0 no?+ m nor less ?an ! 
en]getic affirmation ( intellectual     
rectitude4  ,8 /eadfa/ness1 ?us1 0 a    
m5tal poise4 ,x c be def9$ z rip5$      
judgm5t1 a conclusion ( ?\ght1 safegu>d$
 on e side by a disc]nm5t n easily      
confus$1 by a p5etration n easy to      

escape4 ,?is involv$ a wond]ful         
flexibility4 ,:ile /eadfa/ unto ! grade 
( immutability1 :]e honor 0 involv$1 no 
/ud5t ( 8 ways c\ld call him ob/9ate4   
,:ile firm & /rong en\gh to hold !      
,nation to h] pr$e/9$ c\rse ^u an ev5   
keel1 he held h] helm ) a g5tle1 pliant 
grasp4 ,be+ 9 e m5tal trait inh]5tly    
hone/ & delib]ate1 he c\ld at once be   
resolute & free4  ,?is bl5d )9 8 be+ (  
?\ghtfulness & det]m9ation1 ( op5ness & 
immutability1 ?is c&id1 consci5ti\s1    
m5tal poise1 ?is ,godlike appreh5sion ( 
! l>g] equilibrium1 qualifi$ him        
peculi>ly to int]pret ! major movem5ts (
 8 "t1 to trace 9 ! deep1 prevail+      
s5tim5ts ( ! human s\l ! *>t ( our      
national de/9y4  ,"h is 9 ,l9coln some?+
 wond]ful4 ,among ! millions ( 8 fell[m5
 he c\nts b "o4 ,b 9 ! range & grasp ( 8
 ?\ght1 9 ! eag] passion ( 8 he>t1 9 !  
controll+ p[] ( 8 comm&+ w1 he          
compreh5ds !m all4 ,/able & he$ful at   
once1 he c\ld *all5ge unansw]ably e     
man's e/eem4 ,8 symbol is ! firm1       

b5ignant oak1 ! %elt]+1 abid+ hills4    
,?us he /ood to help & hold1 to s]ve &  
rule among 8 fell[m54 ,?us he wr\ght    
coh]5ce into our great c>e]4 ,?us he    
l9k$ toge!r ^? mighty political ev5ts ) 
a logic :i* succe$+ times h prov$       
p[]less to refute1 b /rong & glad to    
confirm4 ,he _h m>vel\s capacity to     
div9e4 ,) him to reason 0 to illum9ate4 
,?+s bewild]+ly obscure1 )9 8 ?\ght &   
spee* grew pla94 ,he 0 our prime        
int]pret]4 ,he expla9$ ! ,nation to     
itself4 ,b 9 e su* elucidation ! ,nation
 0 made to co-op]ate4 ,8 in/9ctive1     
habitual attitude t[>d o!r m5 0 t ( a   
conf]ee4 ,he 0 s5sitively op5 to        
compla9ts & appeals4 ,delegations &     
private supplicants always f\nd him     
c\rte\s4 ,?is c\rtesy 0 nev] =mal4 ,to a
 degree altoge!r notewor?y ! words ( o!r
 m5 f\nd entrance into ! c\nsel+s ( 8   
m9d4 ,he 0 n m]ely accessible4 ,he 0    
impressible1 s5sitive1 quick to         
appreciate & honor ! s5tim5ts ( ano!r   
man4 ,) ! e>ne/ plea ( balanc$1 hone/   

argum5t1 hail+ f :atev] s\rce1 he 0     
facile to correspond4 ,8 judgm5ts &     
decisions 7 am5able to e/imates :olly   
novel to him4 ,inde$1 to an almo/       
a/oni%+ degree 8 major movem5ts 7       
comm5surate ) ! progress & pace ( !     
national ev5ts t environ$ 8 life4 ,9 "s 
( 8 mightie/ accompli%m5ts he seem$ to d
 little m ?an regi/] ! conclusions ( !  
national m9d4  ,all ?is is to say t     
,l9coln's con/ancy 0 poise1 n ob/9acy2 a
 well-reflect$ equilibrium1 n a /iff    
rigidity4 ,all 8 /ead9ess 0 /udi$4 ,nev]
 c x be said ( ,l9coln t 8 v]dicts 7    
snap judgm5ts4 ,on ! contr>y1 ) him     
delib]ation & delay 7 s habitual & s    
excessively indulg$1 :ile pond]+ "s     
massive1 political p]plexity1 t !       
pati5ce ( "s ( our greate/ /atesm5      
repeat$ly broke d[n1 & he 0 *>g$        
repeat$ly ) crim9al1 & all b wanton     
indiff]5ce1 in]tia1 & neglect4 ,b nev] 0
 sor] libel4 ,?r\gh x all he 0 only too 
int5t4 ,?r\gh x all 8 eye refus$ to     
sleep1 :ile 8 /eady & /eady+ m9d pursu$ 

! vex+ task1 until its p]man5t solution 
/ood cle>4 ,& !n1 ) 8 eye /eadily s+le  
to ! guid+ h& ( ,god1 to ! ,nation's    
immortal weal1 & to 8 own unsurr5d]$    
integrity1 he w\ld publi% & fulfill 8   
/udi$ & /urdy resolve4 ,^u ! basis ( ^! 
int]nal m5tal conque/s did all 8        
firmness re/4 ,h5ce 8 life-long ev5ness 
& fre$om f fluctuation4  ,b ?is *all5ges
 /ill fur!r /udy4 ,giv5 ?is notable     
bl5d+ 9 8 m5tal habits ( indep5d5t      
/alw>tness & am5ability to o!rs' views1 
:at is ! inmo/ secret & explanation ( 8 
und5iable consi/5cy8 ,x lay 9 8 human   
s9c]ity4 ,8 aff9ity ) 8 neighbor 0 a    
reality4 ,! ,nation's deepe/ conc]ns 7 z
 deeply 8 own4 ,h5ce 8 ultimate         
convictions1 ?\gh rip5+ 9 a s+le decade1
 prov$ to be 9 deep & endur+ agreem5t ) 
! ultimate convictions ( ! ,nation at   
l>ge1 ?\gh requir+ a full c5tury to     
mature4 ,! s5tim5ts t 7 ess5tially 8 own
 7 se51 :5 op5ly publi%$ ^u 8 lips1 to  
be ! s5tim5ts ess5tial & common to 8    
fell[m54 ,8 p]sonal aspiration 0 a      

national goal4 ,8 p]sonal "* 0 a        
national type4 ,truly repres5tative1 he 
0 at ! same "t z truly unique4 ,always  
fac+ t[>ds o!r m51 he always /ood erect4
  ,?is 0 ,l9coln's con/ancy4 ,x 0 n !   
/ubbornness ( an arbitr>y w1 al?\gh 8 w 
_h regal en]gy4 ,x 0 n a frigid         
intellectualism1 al?\gh 9 m5tal         
p5etration he c\ld n be surpass$4 ,x 0 n
 a tide ( swell+ en?usiasm1 al?\gh !    
supreme emotion ( 8 he>t 0 ! passion (  
an ideal patriotism4 ,8 comm&+ con/ancy1
 pot5t to compose a ,nation's turbul5ce1
 0 b ! out] /ature ( 8 typical int]ior  
integrity4 ,x 0 ! op5 ass]tion &        
atte/ation ( 8 p]sonal self-respect4    
,?us ,l9coln's convictions & v]dicts 7  
unfail+ly 8 own4 ,& ?us ^? v]dicts &    
convictions _h cont95tal bread?4 ,deal+ 
) a ,nation's de/9y1 he came to be clo!d
 ) a ,nation's maje/y4 ,9 8 own great   
he>t1 z 9 a ,nation's crucible1 he      
assembl$ & resolv$ ! ,nation's          
complexities2 & 9 8 own pure desire1 z 9
 a ,nation's purifi$ hopes1 he def9$ &  

describ$ our national goal4 ,( all ?+s  
n>r[ & peculi>1 ( all ?+s p>tisan &     
sectional1 he purg$ 8 eye1 until )      
malice t[>d none1 ) *>ity = all1 )      
rev]5ce t[>ds ,god1 he c\ld see ! total 
va/ness ( ! ?+s ) :i* he _h to deal4    
,"h is a loyalty wor?y ( ! "n--! plight$
 tro? ( "o 9 :om ! ,nation's noble/     
hopes /& =? already realiz$1 assur$1    
secure4 ,?is def9es & describes ! =ce at
 play 9 ?is la/ inaugural4 ,9 ! volume (
 ^? words ,l9coln's message & ,l9coln's 
manhood 7 id5tical4 ,its utt]ance 0 !   
voice ( 8 self-respect4 ,h]e9 ,l9coln ! 
patriot & ,l9coln ! man are "o4 ,"h 0   
,l9coln's /&>d4 ,8 se>* = v]ity 0 a /udy
 ( himself--( himself z true k9dr$ (    
,god & ( 8 fell[m54 ,?is is ! core (    
,l9coln's hone/y4 ,?is is ! key to      
,l9coln's con/ancy4 ,?is is ! secret (  
,l9coln's au?ority4 ,?is 0 ! goal (     
,l9coln's que/ = v]ity4 ,?is 0 = ,l9coln
 ! "o reality4 ,z *ild ( ! "o great     
,god1 z close/ k9 ( e man1 he is our    
model *ampion & exempl> ( ! "o abid+    

tru?--p]sonal self-respect4 ,t ?is %\ld 
be held unp]v]t$ & pres]v$ intact 0 9 ! 
?\ght ( ,l9coln ! primal equity1 ! v    
sub/ance ( a man's integrity4   ,,8     
,,humility--,,wor?  ,! "n ( ,l9coln is  
l9k$ insep>ably ) ! lot ( ! slave4 ,t ! 
=tune ( ! l[ly might be improv$ 0 !     
supreme ent]prise ( 8 life4 ,z conceiv$ 
by him1 t ent]prise conc]n$ all m54 ,n =
 black m5 alone1 & n alone = m5 9 lit]al
 & evid5t bonds1 0 ?is1 8 major int]e/1 
engag$4 ,q z ke5ly1 nay ev5 m1 0 8 he>t 
conc]n$ = 8 clos] k9sm5 ( ,saxon blood1 
:o nev] felt ! slave driv]'s la%4 ,b ev5
 "h 8 prevail+ incl9ation 0 a k9dly     
solicitude = p ( meag] com=t1 culture & 
lib]ty4 ,t[>ds m5 ^: =tune 0 adv]se1 & f
 :om m favor$ ones 7 prone to turn _!   
face1 8 he>t 0 prone to be              
compassionate4 ,8 v in/9cts seem$ incl9$
 to make ! poor 8 intimates4 ,& :5 he   
/ood among ! l[ly1 he nev] %[$ a sign t 
he _h ent]$ ! %ad[ ( any %ame4 ,ri*ly   
d[]$ ) nobility himself1 himself sup]ior
 to e =tune1 incapable ( subjugation by 

any fate1 a ma/] own$ among ! mightie/1 
! dom9ant function ( 8 life 0           
m9i/ration4 ,?is 0 8 ambition4 ,& x 0   
sov]eign4 ,8 t[]+ aspiration 0 t ! ne$y 
be reliev$1 t poor m5 might h means1 t  
bondm5 might be free4  ,?is 0 a so>+1   
imp]ial wi%4 ,b x s5t him :]e m5 7 mo/  
d[n-trodd5 & ov]borne4 ,x =c$ 8 "n &    
reputation to become id5tifi$ ) ! gross 
& l[ condition ( ! rude/1 mo/ untutor$  
mortals ( our l&1 ! humble              
,afro-,am]ican slave4 ,?is l[ly fell[%ip
 he nev] attempt$ to disguise nor       
cons5t$ to disclaim4 ,he r seem$ to     
welcome :atev] burd5 or reproa* x might 
seem to involve4 ,be=e & aga9/ ! :ite   
man :o held ! :ip1 beside & befri5d+ !  
black :o felt its la%1 he *ose to take1 
& p]si/$ to keep1 8 /&4 ,_m a "t 0 ?is  
co-p>tn]%ip flung 9 ,l9coln's face ) /++
 words z a mongrel1 %ameful ?+--) mo/   
vigor\s p]si/5ce by ,d\glas 9 _! fam\s  
debates4 ,b x 0 n 9 ,l9coln to des]t &  
dis[n ! poor1 nor yet to apologize1 nor 
to retort1 nor ev5 to reply4 ,z *ampion 

& companion ( ! despis$ & embondag$     
victims ( ! :ite man's gre$ & contempt1 
,l9coln /&s by ! negro1 z full (        
resolut5ess1 & z free f %ame1 z ?\gh    
def5d+ 8 own home4  ,"h is g5u9e        
humility1 n an attitude assum$1 b a     
virtue inwr\ght4 ,t ?is r>e & ,*ri/ian  
grace 0 plant$ deep 9 ,l9coln's he>t1 & 
p]vad$ ! total fullness ( 8 life1 may be
 argu$ f ! v texture ( 8 la/ inaugural4 
,^u j ?is po9t t docum5t des]ves m9ute  
att5tion4 ,f ! vantage gr\nd ( ,april   
#d1 #ahfe1 & f ! po9t ( view ( slav]y1 t
 address is a pr(\nd & mo/ comm&+       
int]pretation ( ! philosophy & ph5om5a (
 our ,am]ican life4 ,! w>1 ,god's       
,provid5ce1 & slav]y--!y are its        
sov]eign !mes4 ,god's ,provid5ce %ap+   
into national discipl9e ! trag$y ( ! w>2
 slav]y someh[ its deepe/1 fateful      
cause3 !re are ?\ghts = ?\ghtful m51 :o 
may wi% to und]/& ! mean+ ( our national
 life4 ,! po9t to notice "h is to obs]ve
 h[ 9 ,l9coln's m9d 9 #ahfe1 ! c\rse1 & 
curse1 & fate ( slav]y connect4 ,x is   

no?+ less ?an a pr(\nd elucidation (    
out/&+ ,am]ican ev5ts4 ,x intimates     
impressively h[ ,l9coln's m9d _h brood$ 
& pond]$ ov] ! lot ( ! ,african slave4  
,he _h reckon$ all ! value ( _!         
unrequit$ toil4 ,! m>ks ( _! bruises &  
w\nds 7 se>$ ^u 8 s\l4 ,& ( all ! mean+ 
( t sore humiliation1 9 t]ms ( our      
national de/9y & ( ! ,div9e dom9ion1 he 
became ! supreme & sympa!tic expositor4 
,9 8 unfold+ ( t mean+ 0 infold$ ! ma/] 
motive ( 8 life4 ,"u ! h& ( ,god he 0   
hav+ bitt] b submissive %>e 9 sett+ =ev]
 "r ! cruel1 age-long wrongs ( !        
,african slave4 ,t su* s5tim5ts %\ld    
take su* %ape at su* a "t is signal     
demon/ration t !y 7 ! c5tral s5tim5ts ( 
8 he>t4 ,he 0 highly designat$ to a     
humble task2 & he knew no high] honor   
?an to keep close fri5d%ip ) ! poor1    
until 8 high commission /ood complete4  
,& to ?is close affiliation ( l[lie/    
lives ) ! l(tie/ aims & issues ( 8 great
 c>e]1 he devotes well-nigh ! :ole ( 8  
inaugural address z our ,nation's       

presid5t to exp\nd1 !re9 betray+ no     
slighte/ sign t he sees 9 t alliance !  
slighte/ incongruity4 ,9 t def5se &     
*ampion%ip ( ! rights t 7 elem5tal to   
m51 ?\gh ! mo/ despis$1 he saw 8 highe/ 
dignity z presid5t4 ,& to t l[ly aim he 
%ap$ & pl$g$ 8 policy1 8 p>ty1 8 =tune1 
& 8 fame4  ,9 tru? ?is aff9ity ( ,l9coln
 ) 8 neighbor 9 ne$ 0 ! v fruitage ( !  
=tune ( 8 life4 ,he 0 fitt$ & pr$e/9$ = 
x by 8 bir?4 ,8 /ation 0 ( ! l[lie/4 ,8 
sett+-up 0 pa!tically scant4 ,all 8     
discipl9e 0 cruelly /]n4 ,9 ease & pl5ty
 he _h no %>e4 ,( sweets & luxury he _h 
no ta/e4 ,born ( p>5ts pitifully poor1  
nurtur$ 9 pa9ful p5ury1 poorly %elt]$1  
scantily clad1 accu/om$ to neglect1     
intimate ) want1 tra9$ to disappo9tm5t1 
toil+ 9 untam$ sc5es aga9/ h>d odds )   
rude/ tools1 ! k9dr$ & daily famili> (  
unassum+ m51 d5i$ ! commone/ aids to    
p]sonal ref9em5t1 he 0 to ! atmosph]e & 
temp]am5t ( g5u9e1 undisguis$ humility  
native born1 & fully br$4 ,f su* a      
hopeless />t1 9 su* a ho/ile environm5t1

 he made 8 way alone4 ,x c be said )    
almo/ lit]al tru? t he nev] _h any help4
 ,8 only fri5d 0 8 mode/1 resolute he>t4
 ,8 w9n+s 7 all by wre/l+--& ! /ruggle  
nev] relax$4 ,:5 e antagoni/ _h be5 met 
& ov]?r[n1 & 8 gaunt /ature /ood 9 !    
,nation's ar5a alone & undefeat$1 !n ^u 
t unb5t b unpret5d+ =m 8 ,nation & 8    
,nation's ,god laid a burd51 su* z no   
man 9 all our hi/ory _h ev] borne4 ,:5  
b5ea? t great f9al task he meekly b[$1  
its sup]human responsibility & weight 7 
all-suffici5t to cru% =ev] all          
va9-glori\s pride1 if 9 8 tri$ he>t any 
pride _h ev] ent]$1 & hav+ ent]$ _h /ill
 rema9$4 ,be=e ! maje/y ( 8 commission1 
& amid ! inscrutable p]plexities ( ea*  
unp>allel$ day1 he mu/ always be fa91   
ev5 ?\gh nev] =c$1 to walk humbly among 
8 p1 & be=e 8 ,god4 ,f bir? to dea?1 by 
=tune & by ,provid5ce1 z ?\gh by        
ov]ma/]+ fate1 he 0 fa%ion$ = humility4 
,f all ^! gr\nds he 0 pr$ispos$ to      
mode/y4 ,ov] aga9/ ! va/ness ( 8 task1  
fac+ daily all its =midable             

difficulties1 & s5sible ev]more ( 8     
inf9ite insuffici5cy1 ! po/ure ( 8 _s & 
! tone ( 8 daily spee* unfail+ly betok5$
 a mod]ate e/imate ( 8 p]sonal          
significance4 ,! ov]spread+ maje/y ( !  
"w to :i* he set 8 h&1 always t[]+      
vividly be=e 8 ?\ght1 kept vividly      
active ! consci\sness t he 0 q          
incompet5t to accompli% aught1 except ! 
,god ( ,nations t5d]$ daily help4  ,z   
?us incl9$ & ?us dispos$ 9 body & 9 m9d1
 he became a man ( pray]4 ,t he %\ld (t5
 fall ^u 8 knees 0 b ! consequ5ce ( 8   
daily discov]y t 8 burd5s & 8 /r5g? 7   
widely incomm5surate4  ,_m times ^?     
supplications seem$ z ?\gh unhe>d4 ,!   
heav5s gave no sign4 ,!n malice rag$    
aga9/ him4 ,b !n 8 unsurr5d]$ fai? 9    
,god1 8 rev]5ce = 8 task1 & 8 sob]+     
e/imate ( himself w\ld %[ z meekness4 ,x
 0 n 8 way to retaliate or rail4 ,9     
d>kness1 be=e delay1 & b5ea? abuse1 he  
bore & suff]$ long )\t compla9t4 ,9 ?is 
pa!tic quietness 8 humility becomes     
h]oic4  ,?is b5t t[>ds l[l9ess1 temp]$  

?r\gh & ?r\gh1 z x 01 ) 8 cle>          
intellig5ce1 sav$ him f vaunt+ & all    
vanity4 ,!re 0 habitually 9 8 po/ure a  
grave solidity4 ,?is (t5 seem$ l        
c>efulness & caution4 ,b x 0 born (     
mode/y4 ,if !re 0 ev] a "t :5 ev] a man 
might be suff]$ to boa/1 ! date ( ?is   
second inaugural 0 ! "t1 & ! au?or ( t  
inaugural 0 ! man4 ,! h\r ( t address   
m>k$ ! op5+ ( ,l9coln's second          
presid5tial t]m4 ,x 0 ! cr[n+ v9dication
 ( 8 presid5tial policy4 ,aft] f\r ye>s 
( w> ! national poll at ! la/ electoral 
vote _h %[n ! ,nor? /rong] 9 m5 ?an :5 !
 w> began4 ,! /atus ( ! ,s\? 0 desp]ate4
 ,b five weeks lay betwe5 him & !       
surr5d] ( ,lee4 ,l9coln 0 n lack+ 9     
=esight1 nor 9 c>eful calculation4 ,8   
skill !re9 0 preem95t4 ,w>y1 disc]n+1   
resolute1 8 assurance ( ultimate victory
 no d\bt firm & cle>1 no brea? ( boa/+ 0
 giv5 v5t4 ,in/ead1 ) almo/ pa9ful      
res]ve1 he mode/ly said1 ,) high hope = 
! future1 no pr$iction 9 reg>d to x is  
v5tur$4 ,l9coln 0 "o ( ^? r>e/ ( m51    

inv9cible 9 resolution1 at ! same "t    
inv9cible 9 res]ve4  ,?is inn] mood (   
mode/y %[$ 9 all 8 out] furni%+4 ,x 0 n 
8 way to publi% 8 di/9ction4 ,= him to  
signalize 8 primacy by any decoration   
w\ld be an incongruity4 ,9 any gr\p ( m5
 :]e prec$5ce 0 emphasiz$ he 0 ill at   
ease4 ,any attempt by him to designate 8
 (ficial elevation by "s gild$ ornam5t  
or plume w\ld h be5 grotesque4 ,8 eyes 7
 n l(ty nor 8 he>t haughty4 ,8 feet 7 = 
! furr[4 ,8 h&s 7 = ! axe4 ,8 lips 7 =  
fri5dly salutation ( all ! p on ! /reet4
 ,any out] tok51 int5d$ to m>k him =    
sep>ation or any sup]iority1 w\ld h     
excit$ no?+ b sorr[ 9 him4 ,fabrics     
h[ev] co/ly & r>e1 jewels h[ev]         
brilliant & pure1 design$ & dispos$ =   
di/9ction & display1 awak5+ envy & unre/
 q z mu* z admiration & delight1 7 n =  
him4 ,pla9 man among ! l[lie/1 true     
nobleman among ! noble/1 he wore all 8  
honors 9 utt]mo/ innoc5ce ( all p>ade4  
,nor 7 ! features ( ,l9coln ev] int5d$  
to be employ$ z in/rum5ts ( scorn4 ,into

 ! helli% m9i/ry ( curl+ contempt ^?    
graci\s lips c\ld nev] be impress$4 ,8  
he>t 0 f> too k9dly2 & t 7 safegu>d     
en\gh4 ,b 8 unalloy$ humility 0 f> too  
pot5t to ev] enc\rage or p]mit 9 him any
 indulg5ce ( disda94 ,truly l[ly        
himself1 x 0 n 9 him to coldly despise  
any ( 8 fell[m54 ,j "h 8 humility       
display$ its /]l+ hone/y4 ,& j "h 8     
honor & 8 glory bl5d4 ,"h is 8 sure     
title to nobility--a title t nei!r "t   
nor et]nity c ev] t>ni% or b$im4 ,by e  
"r is ?is nobility 84 ,by 8 e>?ly =tune1
 z by a h>d1 rel5tless fate1 8 lot 0 ca/
 among ! poor2 & by t same appo9tm5t !  
lot ( all e>?'s poor has ga9$ p]5nial   
dignity4 ,b he grac$ ^? ranks also z a  
volunte]4 ,by 8 own cons5t1 ) sov]eign  
free selection1 he elect$ to su/a9 &    
ov]come all ! imp$im5ts ( ! /ation ( 8  
bir?1 & s to demon/rate ! full capacity 
( ! humble/ human life = high endeavor &
 desire4 ,?us he 0 alike & at once fill$
 ) a deep compassion1 & free f high     
contempt4 ,"h lies ! firm f\ndation ( 8 

pr\d r5[n4 ,?is is ! true bir?m>k ( 8   
nobility4 ,he 0 above ! bas5ess & !     
meanness ( scorn+ any bro!r man4  ,& s  
he avoid$ arrogance4 ,x 0 n ! way (     
,l9coln to =ev] reit]ate1 if ev5 to     
all[1 8 own importance4 ,he 0 acutely   
s5sitive1 to ! mean+ & wor? ( an        
honorable r5[n4 ,especially 0 8 cool1   
gray eye awake to ! future issues ( !   
pregnant de$s ( 8 teem+ times4 ,b !re9 8
 eag] conc]n 0 a patriot's anxiety--an  
anxiety 9 :i* he m+l$ 8 =tune & fame ) !
 de/9y ( 8 native l&4 ,!re9 ! jeal\sy ( 
8 desire = ! national welf>e burn$ away1
 z 9 sacrificial fires & ^u a sacr$     
alt>1 all ambitions = himself4 ,at any  
co/ to o!rs1 or ?r\gh any o!r man's     
neglect1 x 0 n 9 ! he>t ( ,l9coln to    
dem& & heap toge!r honors or advantages 
= himself4 ,well might he be ju/ifi$1 if
 ev] su* a c\rse 7 fair1 9 claim+ =     
himself exceptional rew>ds4 ,*ief       
executive ( a great ,republic1          
comm&]-9-*ief ( ! army & navy ( ! ,nor?1
 assur$ ( ! major mom5tum ( milit>y     

success1 9 imm$iate rea* ( va/ & ev]    
increas+ res\rces1 :e!r = w> or peace1  
*os5 ! second "t to be ! ,nation's head1
 *>g$ ! second "t to consummate !       
,nation's p]petual unity--surely he _h  
ample gu>anty = imput+ to 8 own sole h&1
 9 a supreme degree1 mighty pr[ess1     
impos+ a*ievem5ts1 a va/ & spread+      
au?ority & p[]4 ,at su* a "t & amid su* 
surr\nd+s1 a g5]\s measure (            
self-aggr&izem5t w\ld h seem$ q w>rant$ 
& well su/a9$4 ,b nev] 0 a mighty comm&]
 fre] f t uncomely fault4 ,! m5tion (   
victory makes him /rangely unm9dful (   
himself4 ,! ?\ght ( 8 va/ au?ority makes
 him ! l[lie/ 9 ! l&4 ,l9coln 0 n       
arrogant4 ,he made no ef=t aft]         
aggregat$ honors1 h[ev] des]v$1 mu* less
 aft] honors une>n$4 ,9 p>ticul> he %[$ 
no incl9ation to appropriate ano!r's    
fame4 ,= "o ?+1 he knew too well ! awful
 co/ ( magi/racy4 ,! "r to be           
comm&]-9-*ief ( a ,nation's res\rces &  
arms1 s covet$ a "r 9 aspir+ m51 became 
transmut$ 9 ! cup :i* ,l9coln drank into

 a t]rible1 an almo/ impossible         
responsibility4 ,nor 0 x ( 8 nature to  
subtract f o!r m5 = 8 own increase4 ,at 
! price ( a bro!r's fre$om1 or happ9ess1
 or life1 ! ga9+ ( ease1 or weal?1 or   
joy ( any sort = himself w\ld be f> too 
de>4 ,9 ! s\l ( ,l9coln extortion c\ld  
f9d no soil4 ,8 mi5 among m5 0 t (      
indulg5t m9i/ry1 n ( exact+ ma/]y4 ,) ! 
l[] level & ! less] me$ he c\ld be well 
cont5t4 ,morbid jeal\sy = 8 own acclaim1
 hungry gre$ = ano!r's rew>d1           
satisfaction 9 plaudits t 7 undes]v$1 or
 com=t f robb]y or extortion ( any sort 
7 s5tim5ts = :i* ! ref9$ & g5u9e mode/y 
( ,l9coln _h no appetite or ta/e4 ,!    
honors t surr\nd$ & inve/$ him 7        
up-spr++1 spontane\s & free2 9 no lea/  
measure accumulat$1 artificial or en=c$4
  ,! native purity ( ,l9coln's l[l9ess  
%[s be/ 9 8 rev]5ce = ,god4 ,he liv$ 9 a
 daily consci\sness ( ,provid5ce4 ,z a  
/atesman he 0 ?or\ghly a man ( ,god1    
full ( a patriot's ador+ & acquiesc5t   
?ankfulness1 z he wat*$ & /udi$ !       

wond]ful unfold+ ( ,god's j & k9dly     
gov]nm5t ( ?is mo/ favor$ l&4 ,?is mood 
( humble rev]5ce 0 deeply wr\ght4 ,x 0 (
 ! texture ( 8 "*4 ,x 0 n a ve/ure or a 
po/ure1 a ge/ure or a phrase1 assum$ "h 
& disc>d$ !re1 & (t5 c\nt]feit4 ,x 0    
ess5tial1 l 8 integrity1 p]vad+ & inde$ 
controll+ all 8 responsible life4 ,& x 0
 :olly undisguis$4 ,9 8 mo/ =mal public 
docum5ts--pap]s 9 :i* /atesm5 z a rule  
make scant allusion to ,deity--,l9coln's
 allusions to ,god are _! mo/ impos+    
feature4 ,beyond all contradiction1     
,l9coln enact$ 8 public responsibilities
 9 ! fe> ( ,god4 ,?is 0 ! beg9n+ ( 8    
wisdom4 ,j ?is is ! secret ( ! sanity ( 
?is la/ inaugural4 ,& x is ! secret (   
its immortal beauty4 ,& x is ! girdle ( 
its /r5g?4 ,9 fram+ its c5tral argum5t1 
& !reby /eady+ ! ,nation's he>t 9 !     
convulsions ( w>1 he 0 exp\nd+ ! hidd5  
ways ( ,god4 ,!re grew a mighty         
p>agraph4 ,x reads smoo?ly n[4 ,b :5 x  
pass$ ?r\gh ,l9coln's lips1 x 0 ! issue 
( a h>d-p5t agony4 ,:5 he voic$ ^? words

 he /ood be=e an alt>1 & made           
confession1 l a v prie/1 = bo? ,nor? &  
,s\?4 ,all ! l& _h behav$ ) unbecom+    
confid5ce4 ,all alike 7 "u discipl9e4   
,god 0 9 dom9ion4 ,ev5 9 _! pray]s bo?  
,nor? & ,s\? _h be5 cont5d+ aga9/ ! ,"l4
 ,! pray]s ( bo? c\ld n be answ]$4 ,t ( 
nei!r _h be5 answ]$ fully4 ,! ,almighty 
_h 8 own purposes4 ,! expectations ( all
 _h gone a/ray4 ,! cont5d+ /ruggles (   
ei!r side1 despite _! cont5d+ pray]s1 7 
be+ turn$ by ! judgm5ts ( ,god aga9/ !m 
bo? into a t]rible national *a/isem5t4  
,s ,l9coln disc]n$1 & s he humbly1      
vic>i\sly confess$4 ,b b5ea? ?is high   
dom9ion 8 he>t too _h be5 b[$ d[n1 &    
ov]:elm$1 & *a/5$ sore4 ,repeat$ly 8    
c\nsels _h be5 ov]turn$1 & 8            
expectations _h be5 rev]s$2 & t too1 z  
he dev\tly believ$1 by ! ov]-rul+       
purposes ( ,god4 ,h5ce1 z 9 ?is         
inaugural sc5e he fac$ ! future1 ?\gh he
 0 head ( a puissant p1 he behav$ l a   
little *ild4 ,9 a *a/5$ s5se ( ! my/]y &
 au?ority ( ! ov]rul+ designs (         

,almighty ,god1 he =ebore to boa/4 ,& !n
 he said 9 rhy?mic words ( almo/        
prophetic maje/y1 & 9 ! attire ( all b  
sacrificial humility3 ,fondly d we      
hope--f]v5tly d we pray--t ?is mighty   
sc\rge ( w> may spe$ily pass away4 ,yet1
 if ,god wills t x cont9ue until all !  
weal? pil$ by ! bondman's two hundr$ &  
fifty ye>s ( unrequit$ toil %all be     
sunk1 & until e drop ( blood drawn ) !  
la% %all be paid by ano!r drawn ) !     
sword1 z 0 said ?ree ?\s& ye>s ago1 s   
/ill x mu/ be said1 ',! judgm5ts ( ! ,"l
 are true & righte\s altoge!r4'  ,?is is
 inde$ 9 prophetic /ra94 ,b he =be>s to 
prophesy4 ,he long$ ) sacrificial       
eag]ness = national prosp]ity1 9 la/+   
fre$om & unison & happ9ess4 ,z he r5ew$ 
8 (ficial pl$ge to pres]ve1 protect1 &  
def5d ! _w's greate/ *>t] ( equality &  
fre$om = all mank9d1 8 he>t & hope held 
high & firm4 ,b 8 total be+ 0 subdu$4   
,god _h cross$ 8 pa?4 ,! long-drawn w> 0
 ,god's rebuke4 ,! ,nation _h gone sadly
 a/ray4 ,! ,almighty _h tak5 h]         

wayw>dness 9 h&4 ,8 purposes 7 9        
control4 ,& ,he 0 supreme4 ,& ,8 ways 7 
unreveal$4 ,l9coln /ood to 8 task       
unfl9*+ly1 ready ei!r = sorr[ or relief1
 ready ei!r = dea? or life1 z ! ,mo/    
,high might appo9t4  ,"h is /atesman%ip 
inde$4 ,b x is altoge!r unique4 ,a      
mighty ,nation's executive head1        
disc]n+1 devot$1 & dev\t1 hold+ 9 8     
/eady h& ! *>ge ( a ,nation's de/9y1    
pl$g+ 9 ! ,nation's "n to lay ^u ! alt>1
 if ne$ be = ! ,nation's honor1 !       
,nation's life1 & !re be=e ! alt> wait+ 
humbly ^u ,god4 ,_m a !me ( pr(\nde/    
purport op5s in/antly into view4 ,j n[  
our eye is fix$ ^u its illu/ration (    
humility4  ,on ! "o h&1 & 9 ! fir/      
place1 its exhibition ( ! dignity ( pure
 manhood is sublime4 ,9 ?is inaugural   
sc5e1 b5ea? ! awful /ress ( a ,nation 9 
w>1 ^u ! basis ( ! pl$g$ cov5ant ( !    
free1 inv9cible fai? t a free ,republic 
c su/a9 & fulfill all its solemn        
responsibility1 & ) unqu5*able hope 9 ! 
va/ & unse5 future ( 8 l&1 ,l9coln took 

8 /&1 & held 8 gr\nd1 & put on record   
be=e ,god & all ! _w 8 rev]5t & resolute
 oa?4 ,"h is manhood1 noble1 maje/ic1   
decisive1 free--a manhood t embraces !  
wor?1 voices ! hope1 & confronts ) op5  
brea/ ! de/9y ( ! race4  ,b 9 ?is same  
sc5e ^! mighty en]gies pause4 ,l9coln   
consci\sly faces ,god4 ,= himself & = ! 
,nation he makes humble ackn[l$gm5t t ! 
,"l is ,almighty & ,mo/ ,high4 ,& to    
,god's full sov]eignty he yields        
spontane\s cons5t4 ,) l[lie/ submission 
& confession he conc$es & decl>es t all 
8 rebukes & all 8 rule are 9            
righte\sness4  ,"h is a place :]e any   
man may prop]ly pause4 ,"h ! orbit ( our
 pr\de/ be+ /rikes its v]ge4 ,"h ,god & 
manhood meet4 ,"h human p[] fa9ts4 ,"h  
human resolution halts4 ,"h human       
=esight dims4 ,"h human wisdom becomes a
 void4 ,"h all our pride becomes p]=ce  
humility2 & all our c\nsel+s m]ge 9     
fai?4 ,"h human gr&eur t\*es its out]   
rim4  ,b "h1 too1 human eyes awak54 ,"h 
human aspirations rise4 ,"h human wisdom

 becomes newly in=m$4 ,"h human =eca/s  
bright5 into hope4 ,"h human /r5g?      
revives4 ,"h human purpose tight5s4 ,"h 
9 rev]5ce human wisdom beg9s4 ,"h 9     
human l[l9ess appe>s a ,godlike dignity4
 ,"h our human /ature %[s its noble/4   
,l9coln is at ! utmo/ b\nd ( 8 k1 & 8   
lib]ty2 & yet he is display+ j "h a     
disc]nm5t & a decision ( ! mo/ exalt$   
type--a disc]nm5t1 h[ev]1 ^: insight is 
a vision ( fai?1 & a decision ^: resolve
 is an ex]cise ( tru/4 ,9 ?is sc5e      
/atesman%ip is transmut$ into religion1 
undefil$ & pure4 ,man 9 8 l(tie/ hope & 
utt]mo/ ne$1 & ,god 9 8 transc5d5t      
royalty ( equity & goodwill meet face to
 face1 & /& 9 op51 free & fri5dly       
cov5ant4 ,"h is at once a portrait (    
true humility1 & ! acme ( high nobility4
 ,"h 9 *ildlike tru/ & *ildlike fai? !  
wisdom & ! fre$om ( man atta9 _! goal4  
,"h /atesman%ip & rev]5ce1 wisdom &     
tru/1 fre$om & acquiesc5ce1 dignity &   
l[l9ess h>monize & int]bl5d4 ,& 9 !     
unison ei!r "o rema9s uncomp\nd$ & pure4

  ,"h _m que/ions press to be resolv$4  
,?is signal sc5e 9 ,l9coln's c>e]--:at  
has x to say ab\t ! inn] nature ( man8  
,:at ab\t ! nature ( ,god8 ,:at ab\t !  
nature ( our human insight into !       
ess5tial qualities ( ?+s8 ,:at ab\t !   
relation ( w to ?\ght8 ,:at ab\t !      
sov]eignty ( "*8 ,:5 human "* t\*es !   
limit ( human life1 is x fac+ night or  
day8 ,^! are ultimate inquiries4 ,& !y  
are imm$iate4 ,= answ] to ^! inquiries1 
let ,l9coln & ,hegel meet4 ,& let !     
,nations li/5 to _! replies2 & s disc]n 
:at problems cle>1 :]e dignity & l[l9ess
 conv5e4 ,= "h is a %9+ sc5e1 :]e any   
man may see t 9 a l[ly he>t wisdom &    
nobility may sit toge!r z on a ?rone4   
,mode/y l ,l9coln's is a c\rtly grace4  
,rev]5ce su* z 8 beseems a pr9ce4 ,su*  
humility1 reflect+ ) heav5ly beauty !   
imm$iate pres5ce ( ,god1 may clo! a     
mighty man1 & hold ! c5t] ( a mighty    
sc5e1 )\t unseeml9ess1 & x wants n      
intellig5ce4 ,?is at lea/ ?is sc5e makes
 cle>4     ,,"p ,,iii4 ,,syn!sis        

,,l9coln',s ,,moral ,,unison  ,! m>vel\s
 beauty ( ! ,a!nian ,p>!non is display$ 
9 f\r facades4 ,^u ^! f\r sides runs a  
frieze 9 a cont9u\s b&1 cr[n+ all !     
columns1 & b9d+ all ! /ructure into a   
s+le %r9e4 ,compreh5d$ )9 ! /ately c\rse
 ( t all-encircl+ frieze is classic     
demon/ration h[ an impressive           
manifoldness ( sculptural =m may pres5t 
a p]fect & impressive unison4  ,some?+  
su* is ,l9coln's "*1 z x /&s 9 ?is      
second inaugural4 ,9 ?is address f\r    
p]sonal qualities /& =?1 z di/9ct & cle>
 to ! eye & ?\ght z are ! faces ( !     
,p>!non2 :ile1 l ! ,p>!non1 ! au?or ( t 
address is indivisibly & und5iably "o4  
,bo? are alike composite1 & bo? alike   
are "o4 ,bo? embrace div]sity1 b all 9  
p]fect h>mony4 ,bo? h p]fect unity1 b   
)\t monotony4 ,l ! temple ( ,a!ne1      
greet+ f its s+le alt> e horizon ( !    
,grecian sky1 ,l9coln1 voic+ 8 solemn   
oa? z ! ,nation's presid5t1 gives       
utt]ance to e moral elem5t 9 our        
,am]ican life4 ,"h is some?+ wor? m9ute 

inspection4 ,"h1 upre>$ ^u our ,we/]n1  
mod]n ,am]ican soil1 is a noble "w (    
art1 z noble z any 9 ! anci5t           
,ea/--f9i%$1 balanc$1 & endur+--! rip5$ 
moral "* ( a p's patriot4  ,fir/ to     
notice n>r[ly is t ,l9coln's moral      
texture is f\rfold4 ,f\r virtues /amp   
?is spee*4 ,f\r /r&s compose its web4   
,f\r hues comm+le 9 its light4 ,f\r p>ts
 convey its h>mony4 ,?is f\r-foldness is
 disc]nible di/9ctly4  ,pla9 to see     
?r\gh all ! features ( ?is address1 z   
well-def9$ z ! features ( 8 fri5dly     
face1 is 8 k9dl9ess4 ,( all ?+s1 w> 0   
mo/ deplorable4 ,( all ?+s1 peace 0 mo/ 
to be desir$4 ,all malice 0 to be       
dis[n$4 ,all *>ity 0 to be indulg$4 ,all
 w\nds 7 to be b\nd up4 ,all sorr[s 7 to
 be consol$4 ,!re spoke ! plead+ voice (
 love4 ,all m5 7 bidd5 to love _!       
neighbors z !y lov$ !mselves4 ,"h !     
quality ( moral k9dl9ess is unmi/akably 
& indelibly di/9ct4  ,q z pla9 is 8     
ideal & illu/ration ( integrity4 ,z     
manife/ to all ! _w is 8 inflexible     

uprightness1 z is ! out] /ature ( 8     
erect physique4 ,= ! equity 9 !         
bondman's prote/ aga9/ two hundr$ &     
fifty ye>s ( unrequit$ toil he _h an op5
 e> & a pr(\nd respect4 ,9 ! confid5ce t
 ! judgm5ts ( ,almighty ,god 7 altoge!r 
j he 0 n a%am$ to make public ann\ncem5t
 ( 8 abid+ fai?4 ,eag] t peace among    
ourselves & ) all ,nations might always 
la/1 he 0 also eag] t x %\ld be j4      
,firmly bas$1 = 8 ,nation & = himself1  
^u su* f\ndations ( self-respect1 re/+  
on ,god1 & resolute = ! "r1 he _h no o!r
 ?\ght b to /rive ) unremitt+ con/ancy1 
until 8 "w 0 done4 ,"h is moral loyalty1
 pla9ly visible1 & z pla9ly inviolate4  
,q z cle> is 8 humility4 ,! w>1 z       
,l9coln view$ x1 0 a humbl+ visitation  
^u ! ,nation ( ! ,nation's s9s1 a mighty
 rebuke ^u all human scorn & pride4 ,9  
all t s9 & scorn & pride--! crime &     
guilt ( slav]y--,l9coln _h no slighte/1 
consci\s1 p]sonal %>e4 ,b ! %ame & woe (
 t rebuke1 z x fell f ! h& ( ,god ^u !  
,nation z a :ole1 he bore ) quiet1 meek 

humility4 ,& to :atev] fur!r judgm5t !  
,almighty might allot he humbly b[$ 8   
head1 confess+ op5ly t1 9 8 own he>t &  
?\ght1 ,god's ways _h be5 pr\dly        
misund]/ood4 ,"h is rev]5t humility1 &  
"h is humble rev]5ce1 und5iable &       
undisguis$4  ,& j z cle> is 8 supreme   
e/eem = values t are p]man5t & pure4    
,above all *ang+ accid5ts ,l9coln honor$
 ! ,godlike human s\l4 ,9 h>mony h]e) 8 
?\ghts & argum5ts 7 prone to h&le       
c5turies4 ,& 9 rat+ wor? 8 /&>d 0 a     
man's humanity4 ,?us he %ap$ ! records &
 ! prospects ( our hi/ory into a        
philosophy4 ,?us he int]pret$ ! w>4 ,x 0
 ,god's v9dication ( ! immortal value ( 
! humble/ man4 ,c>nal pleasures &       
worldly ga9s1 wrung f human lives at !  
co/ ( ! degradation & debasem5t ( !     
human s\l1 & 9 defiance ( ,god's et]nal 
& indefeasible laws1 ,l9coln saw to be (
 all ?+s ! mo/ foolh>dy & crude4 ,s     
spiritual & pure 0 8 conception ( ,god &
 man1 & 8 active und]/&+ ( ! mean+ (    
hi/oric ef=ts & ev5ts4 ,ideals1         

endeavors1 & enjoym5ts1 ev5 ?\gh normal 
& wor?y1 if !y dealt ) values t 7 decay+
 & gross1 7 *eaply rat$ by him2 :ile !  
,nation's p]petuity1 ea* man's spiritual
 quality1 & ,god's et]nal purity held   
em95ce unfail+ly 9 8 affection & e/eem4 
,"h is spirituality1 pure )91 & by !    
inw>dly pure pla9 to see4  ,z 9 ! %apely
 quadrilat]al ( ! ,p>!non1 ?is          
f\rfoldness 9 ! "* ( ,l9coln is c>d9al4 
,ea* quality is an elem5t1 ea* con=m+ ) 
an elem5tal factor 9 ! nature ( e man4  
,?is involves t 9 its ess5tial sub/ance 
ea* trait1 s f> consid]$1 is incapable (
 analysis4 ,& ea* refuses to be resolv$ 
into some?+ else4 ,ea* "o is a simple & 
a con/ant co-effici5t 9 ,l9coln's moral 
be+4 ,ea* "o exi/s )9 8 life 9 a        
complete integrity1 indivisible1        
self-conta9$4  ,8 humility1 ?us1 is     
integral & unmix$4 ,:5 ,l9coln b[s1 z he
 does 9 ?is inaugural1 be=e 8 ,god1 &   
!re9 (f]s 8 life 9 a b5d+ m9i/ry to all 
8 fell[m51 t rev]5ce & t m9i/ry are1 z  
m9i/ry & z rev]5ce1 pure l[l9ess4 ,!    

phases ( t l[l9ess may pass ?r\gh       
cont9ual trans=mation4 ,& ^? *ang+ =ms  
may h *ang+ designations4 ,x may be     
submission be=e ,god's sov]eignty1      
rev]5ce be=e 8 maje/y1 awe be=e 8 my/]y1
 ob$i5ce be=e 8 au?ority1 tru/ b5ea? 8  
,provid5ce1 confession "u 8 rebukes2 b  
common1 ess5tial1 & un*ang$ )9 !m all is
 simple1 pure humility4  ,s ) ! fa%ion (
 8 humble ways among 8 fell[m54 ,x also 
we>s a v>y+ guise4 ,x may be mode/      
retic5ce1 abhorr5ce ( p>ade1            
companion%ip ) ne$1 submission to abuse1
 co-p>tn]%ip ) a bro!r's %ame1 pref]r+  
ano!r's ga91 honor+ o!r's wor?1 seek+   
ways to s]ve4 ,b common1 ess5tial &     
un*ang$ )9 all ^! z well1 is simple1    
pure humility4 ,x is a solid moral      
trait1 sub/antial & irr$ucible4 ,z      
illu/rat$ 9 ,l9coln's life1 x is        
entirely dignifi$ & beautiful1 ess5tial 
& insep>able4 ,z %[n 9 8 behavior1 x    
corresponds ) a relation%ip1 z inh]5t & 
inwr\ght 9 8 v be+ z 8 v brea?4 ,z a    
trait ( ,l9coln's "*1 8 humility has a  

root1 z firm & durable z is !           
transc5d5ce ( ,god1 & z are !           
opportunity & obligation ( e man among 8
 bro!rm5 to be>1 =be>1 & s]ve4  ,x is j 
! same ) 8 fidelity4 ,x too1 is an      
uncomp\nd$ & imp]ative moral trait4 ,x  
is a liv+1 facile grace1 easily capable 
( _m k9ds ( affirmation4 ,x may id5tify 
itself ) tru?1 9 reason$ or implicit    
fai?2 ) promise1 pl$ge1 or oa?1 9       
loyalty2 ) pro( by te/+ fires1 z        
fidelity1 /eadfa/ness1 or reliability2 )
 unv>y+1 free adhesion to et]nal        
pr9ciples1 z consi/5cy2 ) cle>          
conviction ( sure reality1 z v]ity2 )   
e?ical /raight=w>dness1 z rectitude1    
s9c]ity1 or hone/y2 ) ev51 balanc$      
ju/ice1 z equity2 ) ! inn]mo/ & f9al    
norm ( tru? 9 any p]sonal life1 z       
self-ass]tion1 or self-respect4 ,b      
common )9 !m all1 unalt]$ & unalt]able  
amid all ^? v>i$ & v>y+ =ms1 is simple1 
unmix$ con/ancy4 ,9 any analysis (      
,l9coln's moral life ?is moral trait w  
=ev] dem& di/9ct & di/9ctive recognition

 & "n4 ,x is bas$ & c5t]$ 9 8 e/imate & 
e/imation ( himself1 ! eye ( 8 v honor1 
! core ( 8 nobility1 ! v s5se )9 8 liv+ 
s\l ( ! life ( 8 integrity4 ,x is !     
inw>d attitude ( 8 moral wor?1 z        
inv9cible1 insi/5t1 & elem5tal z any    
pure/ action ( 8 self-consci\sness4  ,! 
same holds true ( ,l9coln's k9dl9ess4 ,9
 ! balanc$ h>mony ( 8 "* ! note ( human 
fri5dl9ess is a p]si/5t & indisp5sable  
/ra94 ,)\t t melody 8 moral consonance  
w\ld be pa9fully & irretrievably        
impair$4 ,l e o!r fundam5tal trait1 ?is 
too may be voic$ ) e sort ( easy1 flu5t 
v>iation4 ,x may spr+ spontane\sly f    
deep )9 ! he>t1 z b5ign & all-embrac+   
b5evol5ce4 ,x may ov]fl[ ) b5efits1 9   
active1 b\nte\s g5]osity4 ,x may b9d    
toge!r an ideal home 9 p>5tal1 filial1  
frat]nal affection4 ,x may k9dle at !   
alt>s ( "o's native l&1 & influ5ce !    
he>t ( ! patriotic devotee4 ,x may break
 ?r\gh all ! accid5ts ( bir? & race into
 univ]sal bro!rhood4 ,x may befri5d !   
hurt1 & ne$y1 & b]eft1 z sympa?y4 ,x may

 s prevail z to be> up b5ea? ! cruel s9 
( ali5 he>ts 9 ! sorr[ ( vic>i\s love1  
to ! end t guilty m5 may be r$eem$ &    
reconcil$4 ,9 myriad ways ?is human     
k9dl9ess may speak its g5tle words (    
m]cy1 grace1 & peace4 ,b e ^w is key$ to
 k9dly fell[%ip4 ,?r\gh all ^? v>iations
 ?is note is preval5t4 ,& x is key$ to a
 relation%ip z univ]sal & z unavoidable 
z are ! bonds ( human bro!rhood4 ,?is   
want+ 9 any moral "* 9 fact or 9 idea1 t
 moral "* is unbalanc$ & incomplete4    
,its mighty influ5ce & its con/ant      
evid5ce 9 ,l9coln's active life supply  
an elem5tal requisite to t life's       
h>mony4 ,x is 8 full-voic$ answ] to !   
_w-wide plea = human fri5dl9ess4  ,& j  
su* affirmations mu/ be made conc]n+    
,l9coln's pur5ess4 ,l ea* ( ! o!r ?ree1 
?is quality1 too1 holds a place & em95ce
 di/9ctly & uniquely its own4 ,no o!r   
trait c d its "p or take its place4 ,its
 function & its (fice p]mit no          
sub/itute4 ,nor c its m9i/ry be divid$4 
,its claim is regal4 ,& 9 any rat+ &    

apportionm5t among ! o!r ?ree ?is trait 
mu/ be grant$ equal primacy4 ,its       
pres5ce & its purport 9 ,l9coln's total 
life are cle> & fair & absolutely       
radical4 ,its aspect v>ies l ! aspect ( 
! sky4 ,b deep )9 ^? v>iations gleams ! 
pure & %9+ blue4 ,x may w9 triumph ov]  
gre$ ( appetite 9 temp]ance2 or ov]     
fle%ly passion 9 cont95ce4 ,x may fix   
supreme desire1 n on decay+ ?+s1 b on   
undy+ life2 n on ?+s t *ange &          
disappo9t1 b on values t abide & hold _!
 own4 ,x may se>* f> beyond ?+s visible 
= ?+s unse52 & look )9 all symbols1     
disc]n+ :at !y mean4 ,x may detect )9   
d[n-trodd51 untutor$ m5 s\ls k9dr$ to _!
 ,mak]4 ,x may transc5d all idol =ms1 & 
make all wor%ip spiritual4 ,x may see h[
 ends outvalue means2 & h[ bottles %\ld 
n outvalue w9e4 ,9 ! mid/ ( our univ]sal
 lot ( accid5t1 disease & dea? x may    
hold fa/1 = all ! pure 9 he>t1 to ! hope
 ( a happy immortality4 ,b endur+ &     
undy+1 common & un*ang$ )9 !m all is    
simple1 spiritual purity4 ,! s\l ass]ts 

supremacy4 ,?+s t fluctuate & f9ally    
dissolve1 h[ev] befitt+ & beautiful :ile
 !y ?rive1 are admir$ & valu$ f> b5ea? !
 immortal & un*ang+ wor? ( ,god &       
,godlike s\ls ( m54 ,?is cle> vision &  
high evaluation ( spiritual ?+s 9 !     
?\ght & life ( ,l9coln c nev] be omitt$ 
nor exclud$ 9 any f9al analysis ( 8     
moral life4 ,x ranks among ! elem5ts ( 8
 "*1 z ea* or any "o ( its facades holds
 rank ab\t ! ,p>!non4  ,?us 9 !         
composition ( ,l9coln's moral be+ !re   
are f\r solid1 p]man5t1 radical         
integ]s--8 k9dl9ess1 8 loyalty1 8       
pur5ess1 & 8 humility4 ,& ^! f\r elem5ts
 ( 8 "* face ! f\r c>d9al po9ts 9 !     
compass ( 8 life--8 bro!r man1 8        
consci\s self1 8 fle%-b\nd s\l1 & 8     
sov]eign ,"l4 ,s inh]5t 9 8 v /ructure1 
s inwr\ght 9 8 consci\s "*1 s deeply    
bas$1 s c>d9al1 & s endur+ & irr$ucible 
is ?is f\rfoldness 9 ,l9coln's inw>d    
life4  ,& n[1 z ) ! ,p>!non1 ?is f9i%$  
circuit ( ^! f\r con/itu5ts makes !     
outl9e ( ,l9coln's "* n only cle> &     

c>d9al1 b inclusive & complete4 ,comb9+ 
9 _! significance & sweep all fle%ly &  
mat]ial ?+s2 all ?+s sup]ior & supreme2 
all ! realm & range ( human bro!rhood2 &
 all ! tru? & wor? )9 8 own id5tity--e  
factor & relation ( 8 consci\s life has 
be5 embrac$4 ,8 neighbor & himself z    
consci\s pe]s1 ea* 9 loyalty & love     
dem&+ & aw>d+ equal mutual he$2 8 _s & 8
 fle%1 ! two & only two con/itu5ts ( 8  
p]sonal life2 8 f9ite nature1 fac+1 ) ! 
daily me$ & due ( humble rev]5ce1 8     
inf9ite ,creator1 ! ,"l ( grace &       
tru?--^! exhau/ ! primal co-effici5ts ( 
8 life2 ^! enjo9 & specify 8 primal     
obligations2 ^! inspire & consummate e  
moral excell5ce4 ,:5 ^! f\r virtues are 
discov]$ & admir$1 :5 ea* & all are     
elect$ & a*iev$2 :5 any man /&s true &  
firm 9 self-respect+ con/ancy2 b5ign &  
k9d 9 self-devot+ love2 spiritually     
ref9$ & pure amid a _w ( corrod+ *ange2 
b5d+ be=e ! ,mo/ ,high ,god ) !         
adoration & awe t are =ev] s beautiful &
 meet1 8 moral /ature /&s fully f9i%$1  

balanc$1 & mature4 ,s pla9 to see1 s    
integral1 & s compreh5sive are ^! f\r   
qualities ( ,l9coln's "*4  ,& n[ a      
mighty /atem5t is wait+ to be made4 ,^! 
f\r con/itu5ts ( ,l9coln's virtue are n 
f\r fractions ( 8 "*1 ea* possess+ &    
comm&+ 9 solitude & exclusively "s      
sep>ate segm5t ( 8 morality4 ,n alone is
 ea* "o integral1 b ,l9coln is          
integrally 9 ea*4 ,8 k9dl9ess is n !    
action ( a section ( 8 "*2 x enli/s &   
occupies 8 be+ z a :ole & indivisibly4  
,9 ,l9coln's fai?fulness ,l9coln's      
/ature /&s complete4 ,pur5ess is by no  
means an occasional or int]mitt5t       
ex]cise ( 8 judgm5t or *oice4 ,nor 9 !  
geography ( 8 life is ,l9coln's l[l9ess 
local or sectional4 ,! total ,l9coln is 
k9dly1 fai?ful1 pure1 & l[ly equally1   
fully & cont9ually4 ,:5 9 ?is address he
 calls ! ,nation to firmness 9 ! "r z   
,god reveals ! "r1 8 manhood /&s        
full-siz$ 9 its ex]cise & pl$ge (       
patriotic loyalty to duty & oa?4 ,:5    
aga9 ) pity+ he>t he makes ref]5ce to ! 

slave driv]'s la%1 to ^? c5turies (     
unpaid toil1 to ! t]rible cruelty ( ! w>
 ) its sorr[ful entail ( wid[s & orphans
 & w\nds & graves1 &1 dis[n+ all malice1
 voices 8 great-s\l$ plea = univ]sal    
*>ity & ev]la/+ peace1 ! full flood ( 8 
full /r5g? is p\r+ ?r\gh 8 spee*4 ,:5 he
 rem9ds 8 fell[m5 h[ f> ! wor? ( man    
transc5ds all o!r weal?1 he is pr(ess+ &
 comm5d+ a fai? to :i* all 8 hopes /&   
pl$g$4 ,& :5 9 humble fell[%ip ) humble 
m5 he abjures all holl[ boa/s & pride1  
&1 b5d+ b5ea? ,god's j rebukes1 voices =
 all ! l& our national guilt1 f t       
humiliation & l[l9ess no portion ( 8 be+
 is exempt4 ,ea* c>d9al virtue engrosses
 & engages all 8 s\l4  ,& n[ ensues ) a 
sequ5ce t is irresi/ible1 an affirmation
 t 9 all ?is /udy ( ,l9coln's "* mu/ /& 
supreme4 ,integral z is ea* sev]al "o ( 
^! f\r virtues 9 ,l9coln's life1 &      
integral z is ,l9coln's life 9 ea* s+le 
sev]al trait1 ^! two integrities c be   
cle>ly se5 to deeply int]bl5d & truly   
co9cide4 ,!re is among ! f\r qualities  

)9 8 life no dissonance4 ,"h em]ges     
,l9coln's moral unison4 ,z 9 ! ,p>!non  
all ! elem5ts h>monize & ! edifice is   
"o1 s 9 ,l9coln moral manifoldness      
unifies4 ,!re is ?r\gh\t co9cid5ce4 ,!  
he>t t b[s t[>ds ,god1 9 t v act (      
meeke/ acquiesc5ce swells ) pity = all  
:o m\rn & ble$1 ) indignant jeal\sy =   
equity1 & ) a supreme e/eem = immortal  
s\ls4 ,^! f\r virtues d n exi/ & op]ate 
asund]4 ,!y d n come into view 9 ?is    
inaugural 9 sequ5ce1 ea* "o 9 turn      
displac+ & eclips+ ! "o t w5t & %one    
be=e4 ,!y coexi/1 ea* "o cont9u+        
undim9i%$ & unobscur$1 ea* "o fully     
active & pla9 to see1 _! conflu5t tides 
p\r+ ?r\gh ! same id5tical phrase1 !    
total /r5g? ( ,l9coln surg+ alike 9 ea*4
 ,?r\gh ! :ole address ?rills ,l9coln's 
:ole conviction1 all 8 passion1 & !     
total vigor ( 8 w respect+ tru? &       
falsity1 hate & *>ity1 gre$ & purity1   
pride & humility4 ,"h is moral unison4  
,to f9d ! secret to ?is moral syn!sis   
dem&s & des]ves ! %>pe/ scrut9y4 ,t ?is 

may be und]/ood x requires to be se5 t  
^! f\r virtues1 s cle>ly di/+ui%able & s
 p]fectly comb9$1 are z cle>ly &        
p]fectly ak94 ,l9coln's equity & *>ity1 
z voic$ 9 ?is address1 are n ali5       
en]gies4 ,!y vitally correspond4 ,!y be>
 mutual resemblance4 ,ea* spr+s f deep  
)9 himself1 f 8 elem5tal manhood1 a     
manhood t f9ds 9 8 bro!r's life & lib]ty
 z deep rejoic+ z 9 8 own4 ,& h]e9 he is
 also k9dr$ ) ,god1 z ,god's purposes & 
ways are def9$ 9 ?is address4 ,god1 too1
 is deeply j & k9d4 ,"h roots ,l9coln's 
meekness "u ,god's rebuke1 & ,l9coln's  
firmness 9 8 und]/&+ ( :at is "r4       
,betwe5 8 he>t's *ief wi% & ,god's high 
w ! moral correspond5ce becomes id5tity4
 ,s deep is ! co9cid5ce & agreem5t (    
,l9coln's rev]5ce & equity & *>ity )9   
himself & ) 8 ,god4 ,! same inwr\ght    
agreem5t %9es 9 ! pr(\nd aff9ity (      
,l9coln's k9dl9ess & fai?fulness &      
l[l9ess ) 8 pure idealism4 ,9 him !y are
 all z fully unifi$ z is 8 manl9ess4 ,s 
deeply intimate is ! vital syn!sis (    

,l9coln's moral unison4  ,?is position  
is pivotal4 ,if ei!r ( ^! f\r virtues1  
"h def9$ & designat$ z elem5tally di/9ct
 & c>d9al1 c be ev] m]g$ into any "o1 or
 any two1 or all ! o!r ?ree2 or if any  
"o c be dissolv$1 or analyz$ into some?+
 else /ill m elem5tal & pure1 t         
possibility %\ld be made pass+ sure &   
cle> at j ?is po9t4 ,= f ! affirmations1
 ?us f> laid d[n1 z to ! c>d9al validity
 & vital h>mony ( ^! f\r moral traits1 &
 ( ! f\r f\ndations 9 :i* ^! virtues    
re/1 foll[ o!r affirmations 9 ! *apt]s t
 n[ ensue1 :i* no artificial po/ulate c 
ev] uphold4  ,b "h1 9 pass+1 two /&>d   
affirmations are requir$4 ,x is n to be 
ass]t$ or assum$ t ,l9coln's p]sonal    
life atta9$ p]fection1 & transc5d$ s94  
,9 ! *apt] on humility1 & 9 *apt]s yet  
to come 8 own deep s5se ( deep          
unwor?9ess /&s evid5t4 ,b 9 8 cle> &    
firm ideal & desire1 agl[ ?r\gh\t )     
,godlike grief = all del9qu5cy1 appe> ! 
qualities above def9$4  ,& !n ^!        
qualities1 :i* 8 unique c>e] displays1  

are1 z moral qualities1 9 no respect    
unique or beyond ! measure ( any man4   
,!y beseem q normally ! pla9e/ ( u all4 
,?is tru? des]ves full he$ & unres]v$   
respect4 ,l9coln 0 beautifully l a      
little *ild4 ,he 0 inde$ a h]o & p]=m$  
h]oic de$s4 ,b ) all 8 h]oism1 z reg>ds 
8 moral qualities1 ! humble/ mortal may 
be 8 pe]4 ,"h is ! hidd5 secret ( !     
univ]sal & ungrudg+ admiration :i* 8    
h]oic "* comm&s4 ,he is ! _w's model &  
gu>antee ( a _w democracy4     ,,"p     
,,iv4 ,,/udies   ,,8 ,,symmetry--,,!    
,,problem ,,( ,,beauty  ,9 ,l9coln's "* 
is a beautiful illu/ration ( moral      
balance4 ,he /&s be=e ! eye un*angeably1
 l ! ,capitol dome at ,wa%+ton1 a signal
 exhibition ( firmness1 h>mony1 &       
repose4 ,z he fills 8 place z presid5t1 
he seems to face ! :ole horizon at once4
 ,a /udy ( 8 life leaves ! impression t 
he is re/+ ^u a solid1 ample base2 t 8  
weight is well di/ribut$2 t 8 en]gies   
are unit$ ev5ly2 t all 8 p>ts agree     
toge!r2 t ?r\gh\t 8 /ructure he is at   

ease2 :ile yet !re swell & rise )9 8    
brea/ pr\d1 f>-see+ hopes t only a      
,nation's gr&e/ magnitude c\ld give     
complete embodim5t4 ,?is massive poise1 
& bread?1 & balanc$ ev5ness are ! seemly
 ve/ure ( 8 "*4 ,!y well become 8 inn]  
attitude4 ,!y are ! op5 intimation ( !  
%apel9ess & maje/y ( ! unse5 s\l )94 ,& 
q z wor?y ( /udy & admiration z our     
national dome1 is ?is well-pois$        
nobility ( ,l9coln's p]sonality4  ,) ?is
 int5t "o may well review ?is la/       
inaugural1 = x en%r9es sup]ior beauty4  
,n unfitt+ly did x f9d fir/ utt]ance    
b5ea? ! pres5ce ( t impos+ ma/]piece at 
our national ,capitol4 ,z 9 t circl+    
colonnade1 s 9 ! measur$ cad5ces ( ?is  
address1 !re is exalt$ h>mony4 ,its     
phrases1 rhy?mic & pleasurable1 rank    
almo/ z music4 ,read h[ev] _m times1 its
 s5t5ces nev] tire4 ,m9ds ! mo/ ref9$   
are glad to po9t to ?is address z to a  
noble monum5t1 assur$ t its p]usal w    
awak5 9 any ,am]ican high national      
pride1 & 9 ! m9ds ( all m5 a pure       

delight4  ,?is comm&+1 graci\s dignity  
is n alone a matt] ( ev5 rhy?ms & pleas+
 cad5ces4 ,x is to its au?or's moral    
poise & full h>mony t ?is spee* owes its
 symmetry4 ,inde$ ?is is all its        
sub/ance4 ,( rhetorical decoration x is 
absolutely b>e4 ,its only title to its  
univ]sal admiration is ! pat5t fact t   
its au?or has trac$ & set !re91 z ) an  
engrav]'s nice/ art1 ! pr9cely fa%ion ( 
8 high-born s\l4 ,its f9i%$ e?ical      
symmetry is all ! art t gives ?is spee* 
its ev]la/+ *>m4  ,:at n[ is ! inmo/    
nature ( ! attractiv5ess t holds        
possession ( ?is la/ inaugural8 ,9 ?is  
inquiry is ext5d$ a w9some invitation to
 any beauty-lov+ m9d4 ,z su* a m9d fixes
 its inspection int5tly ^u ! vital      
/ructure ( ?is address1 he sees )9 its  
%apely bord]s f\r pr9cely virtues1 /&+  
toge!r 9 a c\rtly league4 ,ea* virtue   
/&s mature 9 unre/ra9$ virility1 no "o (
 !m ov]be>+ ! o!r ?ree1 nor be+         
ov]borne4 ,) easy1 manly grace ea*      
virtue does its "p1 :ile all h>moni\sly 

comb9e1 to support ) ,godlike sagacity &
 /r5g? ! problems ( a ,nation's de/9y 9 
days & tasks t mock ! sage/ c\nsel &    
baffle ! pr\de/ might ( man4  ,l /ately 
columns b5ea? a /ately dome1 ^! virtues 
des]ve reg>d4 ,ea* "o is integral 9     
,l9coln's p]sonal maje/y1 & 9 ! f9ely   
f9i%$ p[] ( ?is address4 ,! exhibition (
 p]sonal self-respect1 ! v eye ( moral  
v]ity1 z display$ 9 ,l9coln's own       
reliability1 & idealiz$ )9 8 /eadfa/    
plan = national consi/5cy1 is fa%ion$ =?
 )9 ! well-set features ( ?is address ) 
all ! well-pois$ gr&eur ( ! ,olympian   
,zeus4 ,! tones ( k9dlie/ fri5dl9ess    
t[>ds detractors & def5d]s alike1       
repell+ all malignity1 unfail+ly b5ign1 
_c 9 any cad5ce be misund]/ood4 ,!y fall
 l heal+ music1 rem9d+ li/5]s ( home1 & 
he>?/one1 & a fa!r's he>t4 ,! l[ly      
attitude ( p5it5t submissiv5ess t[>ds   
,god1 ) its wond]ful m+l+ ( solemn awe1 
ador+ wor%ip1 & consci\s fell[%ip1      
und5iably )\t hypocrisy1 z )\t re/ra9t1 
in/itutes 9 ?is address no?+ less ?an ! 

model & inspiration ( a rev]5t1 religi\s
 liturgy1 fit to lead & voice a         
,nation's humble p5it5ce & praise4 ,!   
k9dl$ & enk9dl+ zeal = ! transc5d5t wor?
 ( m5 above all o!r weal?1 ! burn+ he>? 
f ^: free flame spr+s up e passion gl[+ 
?r\gh ?is spee*1 is l ! f]v5t ardor ( a 
prophet's he>t1 wat*+ ) a pati5t1 eag]  
wi/fulness t[>ds ! dawn+ ( a day t %all 
nev] pass away4  ,^! are signal         
qualities 9 ?is address1 ea* "o erect & 
free1 its signal beauty & virility      
undim9i%$ & complete4 ,b to be notic$ "h
 is1 n _! individual comel9ess1 b !     
beauty ( _! companion%ip4 ,!y consort   
toge!r p]fectly4 ,& 9 t unison is a     
peculi>1 an individual attractiv5ess4   
,"h is a symmetry t pleads =            
appreciation4 ,x is ! beauty ( ?is      
unison ?r\gh\t ?is spee* t con/itutes   
its eloqu5ce4 ,see h[ ,l9coln's v       
confession ( error puts him 9 l9e )     
,god4 ,feel h[ 8 righte\sness affiliates
 ) t5d]ness4 ,m>k h[ 8 he$ = e>?ly ?+s  
provides a body = 8 idealism4 ,)9 !     

unyield+ rigor ( 8 resolute w see h[    
b5d+ & g5ial is 8 attitude4 ,"h is      
m>vel\s symphony--s9 & error & w>1 light
 & tru? & peace1 s compris$ & comb9$1 s 
resolv$ & reconcil$ 9 ?is speak] & 9 ?is
 address1 z to %[ a ,nation h[ 9 !      
discord ( arms heav5's own h>monies may 
be he>d4 ,to ?is f9e bl5d+ ( tones t are
 di/9ct1 to ?is pure consonance ( notes 
t are div]se1 x 7 well = all our e>s to 
become accu/om$4 ,?is w\ld mean a true &
 real ref9em5t4 ,to ?is ref9em5t ,l9coln
 did a*ieve4 ,) ?is deep consonance 8 e>
 became famili>4 ,h5ce ! deep-ton$      
fulness & c>ry+ p[] 9 ! moral resonance 
( ?is address4 ,x faces a manifold      
em]g5cy ) s5tim5ts likewise manifold1 b 
s compos$ toge!r z to lead all          
discordant voices into la/+ peace4  ,?is
 moral equilibrium c>ri$ )9 x g5]\s     
bread?4 ,?is is a /rik+ aspect ( ?is    
inaugural4 ,x compreh5ds & resolves     
toge!r1 ) an ease t seems an in/9ct1 !  
total orbit ( our national life4 ,)9 its
 little compass is ! easy movem5t ( !   

full mom5tum ( our pa/4 ,x holds 9 easy 
grasp ! full circumf]5ce ( concurr5t    
ev5ts4 ,x ev9ces1 ?\gh ) amaz+ brevity1 
t ! pond]\s issues ( ! com+ day are a   
famili> topic 9 8 brood+ ?\ght4 ,& all (
 ?is consi/s toge!r )9 8 ?\ght ) ev51   
equal recognition4 ,ev5ts are made to   
balance4 ,causes & effects are s held   
face to face z to decl>e by demon/ration
 _! true comp>ison4 ,great issues &     
mighty =ces are giv5 _! ne$$ amplitude 9
 8 obs]vation & review4 ,! weight (     
c5turies is 9 8 pond]+s4 ,?is 0 ! /yle &
 attitude ( 8 m5tal delib]ations4 ,he 0 
pr$ispos$ to ca/ & arrange 8 ?\ghts 9   
national dim5sions4 ,union1 lib]ty1     
manhood1 ,provid5ce1 7 ! !mes to :i* 8  
s\l 0 drawn1 z ?\gh by gravity4  ,?us   
,l9coln's influ5ce atta9$ solidity4 ,!  
place ( ?is inaugural1 & ( its au?or's  
honor1 9 our ,am]ican life1 & 9 ! l>g]  
_w ( wor?y civics is well-secur$4 ,!    
qualities embodi$ 9 ?is address1 ea* "o 
s elem5tal1 & all s et]nally alli$1 are 
m endur+1 z !y /& pois$ )9 ^? balanc$   

p>agraphs1 ?an any qualities resid5t 9  
m>ble or bronze4 ,! proposition t !     
ho/ile int]e/s ( a mighty ,nation be    
reconcil$ into et]nal fri5dl9ess &      
con/ancy "u ! awful discipl9e ( ,god    
?r\gh sacrificial baptisms ( blood1     
conta9s )9 its balanc$ & maje/ic t]ms an
 int]ior cohesion & /ability t no?+ c   
ev] dis9tegrate or move4 ,x is )\t a    
bias any:]e4 ,?r\gh all its massiv5ess !
 weight is ev5 absolutely4 ,& its moral 
proportions are 9 p]fect tru?4 ,x is a  
monum5t ( f9i%$ maje/y1 solidity1 &     
grace4 ,x is a ma/]piece ( moral        
symmetry4  ,?is massive gr&eur 9        
,l9coln's moral "* f9ds an exalt$       
illu/ration 9 ! clos+ half ( 8 message  
to ,congress 9 ,decemb] ( #ahfb4 ,x =ms 
9 itself a docum5t t may well be held   
be=e ! eye z a companion piece to 8 la/ 
inaugural4 ,he is mak+ an elaborate     
argum5t = comp5sat$ emancipation4 ,he is
 labor+ to make cle> t ! issues p5d+ 9 !
 c5t] ( ! w> are no conc]n ( m]e        
geography1 b r a problem hang+ ^u ! free

 decisions ( liv+ citiz5s2 & t 9 !      
int]e/ ( univ]sal lib]ty a full agreem5t
 by ,congress & ! *ief executive to tax 
! ,nation peaceably1 to remun]ate all   
loss entail$ by free+ e slave1 w\ld     
surely w9 ! requisite electoral support1
 /ay ! w> at once1 e/abli% la/+ peace1 &
 give demon/ration ( a civic "* & c\rage
 fit to bright5 & enhe>t5 all ! _w4 ,he 
closes 8 appeal ) ^! foll[+ words3--    
,fell[-citiz5s1 we _c escape hi/ory4 ,we
 ( ?is ,congress & ?is adm9i/ration w be
 rememb]$ 9 spite ( ourselves4 ,no      
p]sonal significance or insignificance c
 sp>e "o or ano!r ( u4 ,! fi]y trial    
?r\gh :i* we pass w light u d[n1 9 honor
 or 9 di%onor1 to ! late/ g5]ation4 ,we 
say we are = ! ,union4 ,! _w w n =get t 
we say ?is4 ,we "k h[ to save ! ,union4 
,! _w kn[s we d "k h[ to save x4        
,we--ev5 we "h--hold ! p[] & be> !      
responsibility4 ,9 giv+ fre$om to !     
slave1 we assure fre$om to !            
free--honorable alike 9 :at we give &   
:at we pres]ve4 ,we %all nobly save or  

meanly lose ! la/1 be/ hope ( e>?4 ,o!r 
means may succe$2 ?is c\ld n fail4 ,!   
way is pla91 peaceful1 g5]\s1 j--a way  
:i*1 if foll[$1 ! _w w =ev] applaud1 &  
,god mu/ =ev] bless4  ,!re is 9 t       
message a docum5t t has ! scope & !     
gr&eur ( ! ,alps4 ,x (f]s an impos+     
illu/ration h[ politics1 s prone to     
become & to rema9 ignoble1 may come to h
 surpass+ beauty2 h[ /atesman%ip1 ve/$ 9
 a wor?y "*1 may we> transc5d5t dignity4
 ,?is appeal1 z %ap$ by ,l9coln1 is a   
monum5t fa%ion$ by a ma/] h&4 ,note its 
basis 9 equity1 all ! ,nation 9 common  
accept+ _! money co/ ( a common         
complicity 9 wrong4 ,note its           
inscription to human goodwill1 curtail+ 
! p]iod1 & /ay+ ! blood%$ ( ! w>4 ,note 
its endur+ sub/ance & composition1 built
 up ( human he>ts1 cem5t$ 9 ! action (  
fre$om 9 ! human s\l1 a t[]+ prote/     
aga9/ all ga9s & consequ5ces :]e human  
lib]ty is d5i$4 ,note ! humble rev]5ce 9
 ! so>+ appeal to ! b5$iction ( ,god1 ) 
:i* ! :ole address concludes4 ,note !   

consci5ce-/irr+ ref]5ce to inevitable & 
ov]-rul+ law1 9 ! om9\s intimation t !  
light ( hi/ory w\ld lum9\sly adjudge ea*
 sev]al man4 ,& note1 ) all ! imp]ial   
urg5cy ( ! appeal1 its ve/ure ( inf9ite 
respect = ! "r ( e congressman to make a
 free decision ( & by & = himself alone4
  ,"h is some?+ at once mo/ impos+ & mo/
 engag+4 ,"h is h&icraft ( ! highe/     
grade4 ,! man t conceiv$ & draft$ t     
political appeal 01 9 ! realm (         
politics1 no mean ar*itect4 ,he is1 9 ^!
 argum5ts1 measur+ ! =ces elem5tal 9 a  
great ,republic1 z ,mi*ael ,angelo      
measur$ gravitation4 ,he is deal+ )     
decades1 & ) c5turies1 ) fre$om & )     
slaves1 ) a transi5t ,congress & ! c\rse
 ( hi/ory1 z build]s deal ) granite     
blocks4 ,embrac+ ?+s disp]s$ & widely   
v>iant1 z also ?+s mutually incl9$ t[>ds
 fell[%ip1 he def9es & demon/rates1 z a 
ma/] artisan1 h[ !y may all be grasp$ & 
ov]come & h>moniz$ 9 a comm&+ unison4 ,)
 a skill$ design]'s easy grace he drafts
 a sket* ( our trans=m$ c>e]1 z pla9 &  

op5 to ! obs]v+ eye z are ! massive1    
graceful movem5ts ( deploy+ cl\ds across
 ! sky4 ,"h is maje/y1 l(ty1 balanc$1 & 
secure4 ,& all its excell5ce is e?ical4 
,& x pleads to be made supreme 9 e>?ly  
politics4 ,9 su* a message is ideal     
c\rtl9ess4 ,its be>] mu/ be a comely    
pr9ce4 ,! man & au?or ^u ^: poli%$      
tongue ^? s5tim5ts f\nd bir? mu/ be (   
royal l9eage4  ,?us ,l9coln has giv5 to 
civics ideal comel9ess & dignity4 ,9 8  
h&1 & "u 8 design1 politics we>s heav5ly
 maje/y4 ,9 8 conception ( a ,/ate1 ?\gh
 devis$ & trac$ 9 times :5 cruelty &    
sordidness & unfairness & neglig5ce (   
,god 7 sadly preval5t ?r\gh ! ,nation's 
life1 !re rose to view1 9 8 pure        
patriotism1 a civic /&>d 9 :i*1 ?r\gh   
holy fe> ( ,god1 all m5 7 rat$ at _!    
immortal wor?1 & treat$ ) ! love &      
fairness t 7 ! mutual due ( freem5 :o 7 
pe]s4 ,"h is a portrait ( a patriot ^u  
:i* no arti/ c easily improve--a        
portrait :i* atte/s 9 ,l9coln's s\l a   
pure & a free idea ( :at true art mu/   

ev] be4  ,& x is n )\t pr(\nd           
significance = art t ,l9coln's          
/atesman%ip has become "o ( ! f9e/      
objects 9 our mod]n _w = arti/s to      
idealize4 ,! v features ( 8 face1 t 7   
wont to be e/eem$ mo/ pla91 h come to %[
 a symmetry t is beautiful4 ,& 8 :ole   
outw>d frame1 t m5 s _m times h call$   
unga9ly1 has come to be> & body =? a    
dignity su* z summons f9e/ bronze &     
m>ble to _! mo/ exalt$ m9i/ry4 ,:5ce    
came to t pla9 face & pla9] frame su*   
symmetry & dignity8 ,let arti/s         
contemplate & reply4 ,= 9 ,l9coln's     
manhood /ature1 :]e utmo/ rud5ess has   
become transmut$ to ref9em5t1 all m5 are
 taught t true beauty & true art are    
e?ical4 ,9 moral h>mony is f\nd ideal   
symmetry4   ,,8 ,,composure--,,!        
,,problem ,,( ,,pessimism  ,9 ! =ego+   
pages ref]5ce has be5 made repeat$ly to 
,l9coln's poise4 ,9 ! *apt] j conclud$  
?is poise has be5 /udi$ = its beauty4   
,?is attitude w repay /ill fur!r        
scrut9y4 ,= look$ at aga91 & f ano!r    

po9t ( view1 x reveals itself z a       
res]voir ( en]gy4 ,se5 ?us1 ,l9coln's   
notable poise becomes a mighty /ore (   
pot5tial1 & inde$ ( active =ce4 ,x may  
be describ$ z a m+l+ ( en]gy & repose1 (
 res\rcefulness & re/1 %[+ & play+ ?r\gh
 all 8 influ5ce among o!r m51 & l>gely  
expla9+ its pot5cy4  ,( j ?is p]sonal   
habitude1 ?r\gh all ! ye>s ( ,l9coln's  
p>ticipation 9 our national affairs1 !re
 0 /r5u\s ne$ & requisition4 ,8 public  
c\rse ran ?r\gh an era 9 our national   
c>e] ( unprec$5t$ int]nal turbul5ce4 ,! 
h\se 0 divid$ aga9/ itself4 ,! cause ( !
 diss5sion 0 a diametrical opposition & 
an irreconcilable cont5tion ( views t\*+
 a matt] s radical z ! basis ( our      
,decl>ation ( ,indep5d5ce1 & ! purport (
 our fundam5tal national docum5t1 !     
,con/itution4 ,to ! m5 on ei!r side (   
?is cont5tion x seem$ z ?\gh _!         
antagoni/s 7 b5t ^u uproot+ & remov+ ! v
 hills4 ,?is ob/9ate & invet]ate        
disagreem5t revolv$ ab\t ! s+le1 simple1
 fateful "q ( ! "r & wrong ( hold+ m5 9 

bonds4 ,= a full g5]ation be=e ,l9coln  
ent]$ ! li/s ! conflict _h be5 bitt]ly  
int5se1 refus+ to be compos$ or assuag$4
 ,ne> ! beg9n+ ( ! la/ decade (         
,l9coln's life he put on 8 armor & *ose 
8 side4 ,9 #aheh1 :ile compet+ ) ,d\glas
 = a seat 9 ! ,u4 ,s4 ,s5ate1 ,l9coln   
made a decl>ation t1 = its be>+ ^u 8 own
 c>e] & its influ5ce 9 national affairs1
 has become hi/oric2 :ile = its te/imony
 to ! topic ( ?is *apt] x has ! v fir/  
significance4 ,! core ( t decl>ation 0 a
 quotation f words ( ,*ri/1 :5 refut+ ! 
*>ge t he 0 9 league ) ,beelzebub3--,a  
h\se divid$ aga9/ itself _c /&4 ,?is    
quotation 0 cit$ by ,l9coln to edge 8   
affirmation t ! national agitation      
conc]n+ slav]y1 !n 9 full c\rse1 &      
cont9ually augm5t+1 w\ld n cease until a
 crisis %\ld be rea*$ & pass$4 ,?is 0 8 
firm assurance4 ,a national crisis 0 at 
h&4 ,b to ?is assurance1 t ! gov]nm5t   
c\ld n endure p]man5tly half slave &    
half free1 he atte/$ ano!r confid5ce    
equally assur$3--,i d n expect ! ,union 

to be dissolv$--,i d n expect ! h\se to 
fall--b ,i d expect x w cease to be     
divid$4 ,x w become all "o ?+ or all !  
o!r4 ,ei!r ! oppon5ts ( slav]y w arre/ !
 fur!r spread ( x1 & place x :]e !      
public m9d %all re/ 9 ! belief t is 9 ! 
c\rse ( ultimate ext9ction2 or its      
advocates w pu% x =w>d till x %all      
become alike lawful 9 all ! ,/ates1 old 
z well z new1 ,nor? z well z ,s\?4  ,t 0
 said ) resolute & impos+ delib]ation 9 
,july ( #aheh4 ,9 t utt]ance ,l9coln's  
attitude des]ves analysis1 & = _m       
reasons2 b 9 p>ticul> = its revelation (
 8 composure4 ,he knew full well :at    
trem5d\s issues = himself & = ! ,nation 
7 involv$ 9 :at he said4 ,he knew t 8   
appeal = ! s5ator%ip at ,wa%+ton 0 !reby
 gravely imp]il$4 ,he knew t x =ebod$   
national convulsions & ?roes4 ,he knew t
 = himself & = ! gov]nm5t a mighty      
crisis 0 ahead4 ,& he knew t 9 t crisis 
! alt]natives 7 = all humanity supreme4 
,! issues 7 no?+ less ?an human fre$om &
 equality1 or human tyranny & bonds4 ,9 

! /ress & /ra9 ( an age-long /rife l    
?is1 _m a man has sw]v$ to moral        
pessimism4  ,f ! date ( t spee* ,l9coln 
/ood 9 ! face ( t vicissitude4 ,inde$ = 
8 few rema9+ ye>s he 01 9 all t deep5+  
commotion1 an en]getic & influ5tial     
c5tral =ce4 ,& he nev] yield$ to        
despair4 ,9 ?is same mon? he issu$ to   
,s5ator ,d\glas 8 d\ghty *all5ge to a   
s]ies ( debates4 ,dur+ ^? debates       
,l9coln =g$ 8 way into a preem95ce t    
am\nt$ almo/ to solitude1 z *ampion ( a 
p & a cause t1 = we>y g5]ations1 _h be5 
"u all b hopeless oppression & reproa*4 
,?r\gh all ^? debates ,l9coln's s+le    
he>t 0 no?+ less ?an a national !at] ( a
 solicitude no?+ less ?an national4 ,^u 
8 lone %\ld]s lay ! grave/ burd5s ( 8   
day4 ,! ideals ( a ,nation lay ^u 8     
anvil2 ! national temp] 0 be+ =g$ b5ea? 
8 h&4 ,highe/ *ivalry wag$ aga9/ him1   
be>+ temp]$ /eel1 & jeal\s ( an old &   
pr\d pre/ige4  ,9 ! imm$iate outcome (  
^? debates ,l9coln met defeat4 ,b f>!r  
on he only f\nd himself involv$ m deeply

 /ill 9 ! angui% ( ! crisis he _h       
=etold4 ,! national disagreem5t 0 v]g+  
t[>ds ! ,nation's dissolution1 height5+ 
at l5g? into secession & actual1        
long-drawn civil w>4 ,s trem5d\s 0 !    
crisis ,l9coln =esaw4 ,& ?is 0          
precipitat$ directly by 8 election to ! 
presid5cy4 ,s vitally 7 8 own =tune &   
fate b\nd up 9 ! crisis he =etold4 ,s   
pitiless & fundam5tal 0 ! *all5ge to 8  
hope4 ,8 total adm9i/ration 0 sp5t 9 !  
tumult ( arms4 ,by no possibility 9 any 
,nation's consci\s life c\ld civil      
confusion be worse conf\nd$ ?an dur+ !  
p]iod ( 8 presid5tial t]ms4 ,beg9n+ )   
sev5 /ates 9 op5 secession1 & br\ght to 
an end by assass9ation1 ! measure ( 8   
supreme (ficial life 0 full to ei!r brim
 ) p]ils & sorr[s & fe>s1 su* z any s+le
 human he>t c\ld h>dly conta94 ,b !     
undim9i%$1 ov]:elm+ volume ( ^? fe>s &  
sorr[s & c>es 0 encompass$ e day )9 8   
anxi\s1 ample1 patriot he>t4 ,:5 fac+ 9 
,augu/ ( #ahfd ! national election1 ^u  
:i* ?is la/ inaugural oa? 0 bas$1 he    

said3--,i _c fly f my ?\ghts--my        
solicitude = ?is great c\ntry foll[s me 
:]ev] ,i g4 ,i d n ?9k x is p]sonal     
vanity or ambition1 ?\gh ,i am n free f 
^! infirmities2 b ,i _c b feel t ! weal 
or woe ( ?is great ,nation w be decid$ 9
 ,novemb]4 ,s mom5t\s & grave seem$ to  
him ! mean+ & weight ( ! cont5tion t    
drove ! ,nation into w>4 ,9 ?is e/imate1
 z said be=e1 he /ood almo/ 9 solitude4 
,our be/ & greate/ m51 he said 9 ,new   
,hav5 9 #ahfj1 h greatly und]e/imat$ !  
size ( ?is "q4 ,!y h con/antly br\ght   
=w>d small cures = great sores--pla/]s  
too small to cov] ! w\nd4 ,to ,l9coln's 
cr$it x mu/ =ev] be said t he _h a true 
prevision ( ! agony ?r\gh :i* ! ,nation 
mu/ /rive1 z %e rea*$ & pass$ ! crisis  
:i* he saw 9 #aheh to be h] pr$e/9$ &   
imp5d+ fate4  ,& s x came to pass t 9   
#ahfa1 :5 ,=t ,sumt] 0 assail$1 & ! %>p 
imp]i\s alt]native ( imm$iate           
dissolution or blood fac$ ! ,nation's   
eye1 he 0 n surpris$ or unprep>$2 z     
likewise1 :5 9 #ahfe at 8 second        

inaugural sc5e1 aft] f\r full ye>s (    
awful w>1 he is /ill f\nd wait+ 9       
sacrificial pati5ce to hail ! culm9ation
 ( 8 assur$ int]pretation & hope4 ,"h 9 
#ahfe z !re 9 #aheh1 !re 9 #aheh z "h 9 
#ahfe1 he is *]i%+ ! patriot-prophet's  
confid5ce t ! crisis w\ld be pass$1 t ! 
,nation w\ld n be dissolv$1 t ! h\se    
w\ld /&4  ,& to ,l9coln's s+ul> honor x 
mu/ always be all[$ t ?r\gh all !       
t]rible h\rs :ile t crisis 0 be+ pass$1 
x 0 pre-em95tly due to ,l9coln's mighty 
moral optimism t our ,union 0 pres]v$4  
,amid all ! turbul5ce ( armies & arms1 8
 assurance ( our national p]petuity 0 s 
deeply1 firmly bas$1 z to be itself     
inve/$ & in=m$ ) p]petuity4 ,s comm&+ 0 
8 po/ure ( h]oic1 triumphant confid5ce1 
t x mightily avail$ to guide & /eady !  
,nation ?r\gh ! crisis into an era (    
int]nal & int]national peace4  ,b n     
m]ely did ,l9coln's composure prevail to
 secure t ?is ,nation %\ld n dissolve4  
,x also wr\ght prevail+ly to p]petuate  
our lib]ty4 ,?r\gh\t ! crisis ! issue   

held 9 /ake 0 :e!r ! ,nation %\ld be    
:olly slave or :olly free4 ,^? 7 !      
alt]natives betwe5 :i* ,l9coln's c>e &  
fe>1 & ! ,nation's =tune & fate 7 hung4 
,?r\gh\t ! crisis ,l9coln's hope 0 t !  
,nation %\ld be =ev] :olly free4 ,8 fe> 
0 t ! ,nation might be :olly slave4 ,b  
above t fe>1 t hope /eadfa/ly prevail$4 
,"o :o /udies ,l9coln ?r\gh ^? days     
comes to feel un]r+ly t deep b5ea? an   
anxiety t seem$ at times almo/ to       
ov]:elm 8 life1 !re lay a supreme       
assurance t1 :5 ! crisis %\ld h pass$1 x
 %\ld /& cle> beyond debate1 & sure     
beyond all d\bt1 t "h 9 ?is favor$ l& ! 
*ance ( all ! sons ( m5 %\ld be =ev]    
equal1 fair1 & free4 ,a/utely he$ful ( !
 p[] ( selfi%1 sordid gre$2 deeply      
consci\s ( ! bl9d defiance ( scorn &    
pride2 pa9fully aw>e ( ! awful capacity 
( a human he>t = cruelty & hate2 & %>p  
to see h[ reason yields to prejudice1 :5
 *ivalry becomes a c\nt]feit2 he /ill   
f\nd gr\nds to hold 8 an*or$ hope =     
univ]sal lib]ty & bro!rhood4  ,?is      

deep-bas$ confid5ce des]ves to be well  
und]/ood4 ,x is a prim>y ph5om5on 9     
,l9coln's life4 ,h[ 9 ! deepe/ welt] (  
viol5ce & /rife c\ld ,l9coln's mood     
reta9 su* level ev5ness8 ,h[ 9 all t    
cont95tal turbul5ce c\ld he keep s      
unp]turb$8 ,h[1 ?r\gh all t confusion 0 
he nev] confus$8 ,9 tru? 8 days 7 mo/ly 
d>k & sad4 ,sorr[s did ov]:elm him4 ,h[ 
did 8 an*orage hold un*ang$8 ,:5 ! v    
hills gave way1 8 f\ndations seem$ to   
/ay4 ,! assurance to :i* 8 s\l 0 atta*$ 
seem$ all b omnipot5t4 ,:at 0 ! secret1 
:at ! gr\nd ( su* ph5om5al /ead9ess8    
,to answ] ^! inquiries is b to rehe>se  
aga9 :at has already be5 repeat$ly made 
pla94 ,?is massive /urd9ess ( ,l9coln's 
/atesman%ip1 ?is unalt]able political   
reliability lay inwr\ght 9 ! h>dy fib] (
 8 moral "*4  ,"o factor "h may be t]m$ 
intellectual4 ,l9coln's /udy made him   
/eady4 ,8 untir+ ?\ghtfulness secur$ to 
,l9coln's s\l a f9e deposit ( pure      
assurance4 ,x 0 ) him a jeal\s & gu>d$  
cu/om to make exam9ations exhau/ive4 ,he

 0 always seek+ c]ta9ty4 ,few m5 ev]    
dealt m sp>+ly 9 conjecture4 ,always    
eag] t[>ds ! future1 & (t5 mak+ /atem5ts
 t\*+ ?+s to come1 he 0 nev]!less a     
model ( m5tal caution4 ,x 0 ?is passion 
to make 8 foot+ fully secure t k9dl$ 9  
him su* ze/ = hi/ory4 ,x 0 ?is same     
passion t gl[$ 9 8 eye1 z he inspect$ 9 
common m5 _! common humanity4 ,&        
likewise x 0 ?is t l$ him into ! fe> (  
,god1 & made him a /ud5t ( ! ,bible1 & a
 man ( pray]4 ,! full capacity ( 8 m9d 0
 tax$ unceas+ly1 9 ord] to secure to 8  
rip5+ judgm5ts _! maje/ic equipoise4  ,b
 ) say+ ?is n en\gh is said to describe 
! gr\nds ( 8 composure4 ,x 0 n m]ely t 8
 m9d1 ?r\gh ?\ghtful inquiry &          
comp>ison1 grew f>-sight$1 & balanc$1 & 
cle>4 ,:at ga9$ = ,l9coln 8 solid       
an*orage 0 8 deep1 /rong hold ^u all t 0
 inmo/ & p]man5t 9 ! he>t & nature ( m54
 ,e in* a man himself1 ! "o ambition ( 8
 m5tal rese>* 0 to make e responsible   
?\ght & de$ conduce to guide e bro!r man
 to ! de/9y :i* 8 nature decre$4 ,?is 0 

! rese>* t made 8 eye s cle>4 ,?is 0 !  
/udy t made 8 hope s sure4 ,outcome (   
unsp>+ intellectual toil1 ?is 0 !       
assurance t won = ,l9coln 8 unique & mo/
 honorable diploma & degree4 ,?is 0     
,l9coln's /&+ & ?is its w>rant among all
 ?\ghtful m51 alike ! le>n$ & !         
unlett]$4 ,?is 0 ! secret ( t m>vel\s   
calmness1 t 0 s pot5t to compose ! fe>s 
( o!r m54 ,he /udi$ man1 until he atta9$
 a magi/]ial p[] to und]/& & expla9     
result & cause1 issue & orig91 amid     
hi/oric1 surr\nd+1 & imp5d+ ev5ts4 ,9 ! 
field :]e ,l9coln /ood & toil$ he 0 an  
adept4 ,he 0 a wor?y ma/] ( !           
humanities4 ,he took a lib]al c\rse 9 ! 
lib]al arts4 ,& out ( ?is broad c\rse he
 con/ruct$ politics4 ,he came to see    
un]r+ly1 & to believe unwav]+ly1 & to   
cont5d unwe>y+ly t man1 t all m5 %\ld   
hold1 9 a univ]sal equilibrium1 _! reg>d
 = ,god1 _! self-respect1 _! bro!r love1
 & a true1 comp>ative e/eem = ?+s t p]i%
 & s\ls t survive4 ,?is reason$1 hopeful
 fai?1 adopt$ ) all 8 he>t z ! comely   

patt]n & well-set key/one ( all 8       
politics & /atesman%ip1 is :at secur$ to
 ,l9coln ?r\gh all ^? tumultu\s days 8  
f>-comm&+ political equanimity4 ,t all  
m5 7 design$ & entitl$ by _! ,creator to
 be free1 & t 9 ?is lib]ty1 z 9 !       
elem5tal "r to life & self-e>n$         
happ9ess1 all are likewise creat$ equal1
 ,l9coln did dev\tly1 pr(\ndly1 &       
inv9cibly believe4 ,confirm$ by all 8   
rang+ obs]vation & incessant1 pond]+    
?\ght1 ?is fai? 0 also root$ beyond     
repeal 9 8 own deep rev]5ce = ,god1 9 8 
own in/9ctive respect = himself1 9      
irrepressible fri5dl9ess1 & 9 8 unaba%$ 
idealism4  ,su* a man c\ld nev] be a    
pessimi/4 ,su* a fai? 9 su* a s\l c\ld n
 be pluck$ away4 ,nor c\ld its          
prote/ations be v>iable4 ,t ea*1 z alike
 ! h&iwork ( ,god1 %\ld alike be always 
fair1 & t all %\ld always & alike be    
free1 0 ! base ( 8 political philosophy1
 & ! bond ( 8 consi/5cy4 ,?is 0 ! tea*+ 
( ! pa/4 ,?is 0 ! h>b+] ( ! day to come4
 ,& 9 ?is long-pond]$ wisdom & belief   

lay ! explanation ( 8 und]ly+           
peacefulness ?r\gh ! w>1 & ( 8 s+ul>    
ability to prevail above ! fe>s ( o!r   
m51 :5 9 o!r he>ts e hope gave way4 ,he 
deeply saw t und]nea? all battlefields1 
& )9 all antagonisms1 ^! simple         
pr9ciples1 s surely sov]eign & s c]ta9ly
 immortal1 encompass$ a bread? & /r5g?  
suffici5t to circumv5t & ov]come all    
hate & d\bt & fe>1 do+ to no freeman any
 vital h>m1 %ield+ f ess5tial evil e    
toil-b[$ slave4 ,?is is ! s\rce & secret
 ( ,l9coln's unexampl$ composure amid   
sc5es ( unexampl$ anxiety & unre/4  ,&  
?is composure1 be+ s inwr\ght ) hope1 0 
unfail+ly active & al]t4 ,x 0 nev] m]e  
endurance1 /olid & in]t4 ,x en%r9$ a    
p[]ful mom5tum4 ,x 0 alive ) purpose1   
consci\s1 vigor\s1 resolute4 ,"o ( its  
faire/ features 0 a see+ eye--an eye    
transfix$ ^u a goal4 ,?+s z yet         
invisible1 & /ill unrealiz$1 8 e>ne/1   
unwe>y+ eye prevail$ to see4 ,h5ce 8    
optimism 0 a/ir ) ent]prise4            
,anticipation1 q z truly z peacefulness1

 m>k$ ! con/ant attitude ( 8 life4 ,8   
composure c\ld be closely def9$ z       
confid5ce respect+ ?+s to come4 ,always 
environ$ by difficulties1 & all b bl9d$ 
by _! /rife1 8 fai? /ruck ?r\gh _!      
turmoil1 & 8 hope rose free & /rong into
 a jubilant salutation ( man's und\bt$  
de/9y1 & into a victori\s companion%ip )
 ,god's cle>1 c]ta9 w4  ,& s !re ?robb$ 
9 ?is habitual po/ure ( ,l9coln's he>t a
 mighty pot5cy4 ,8 composure 0 prevail+4
 ,8 deep & calm security dissipat$ o!r  
m5's dismay4 ,repeat$ly b5ea? ! pres5ce 
( 8 /ately quietness ! ,nation felt its 
turbul5ce subside4 ,?is effici5cy c be  
felt at "w 9 ?is la/ inaugural address2 
& its action well des]ves to be         
id5tifi$4 ,9 8 exposition ( its !me1 & 9
 8 regi/ration ( 8 presid5tial pl$ge1 he
 seems by "o h& to h fa/ hold ( ?+s     
immutable1 :ile ) ! o!r h& he is help+  
to /eady ?+s t tremble & *ange4 ,"h is  
k+ly ma/]y4 ,?+s mightily di/urb$ are   
be+ mightily put to re/1 z ?\gh f an    
immutable ?rone4 ,! op5 figure ( t ?rone

 may well be scann$ by all ! ,nation &  
by all ! _w4 ,x is built & /&s f\rsqu>e4
 ,its measure con=ms 9 e "p ) ! measure 
( a man4 ,x is %ap$ & set to /& & abide 
:]e m5 consort1 to unify _! m9ds1 &     
tranquillize _! /rifes4 ,) sob]$ & sob]+
 insight into ! human s\l1 ) resolute & 
expectant w be=e our human goal1 ?is    
address inscribes & upholds1 z at once  
an outcome & an ideal ( human ev5ts1 a  
univ]sal amity compact$ ( loyal1 fri5dly
 m5 :o walk 9 rev]5ce be=e ,god1 & *]i% 
treasures t c nev] fail4 ,purity1       
humility1 *>ity1 loyalty--^! are !      
con/itu5ts 9 ! /ructure1 & ! explanation
 ( ! p[] ( ,l9coln's composure4 ,fully  
illum9$1 firmly conv9c$1 ev5ly at re/ ^u
 pr9ciples t /& f\rsqu>e ^u ! balanc$   
manhood ( ,godlike m51 8 civic          
hopefulness /ood 9 ! mid/ ( 8 practical 
/atesman%ip1 l an inv9cible1 immovable  
?rone4   ,,8 ,,au?ority--,,! ,,problem  
,,( ,,gov]nm5t  ,! /udy 9 ! prec$+ *apt]
 ( ,l9coln's ev5-pac$ s]5ity1 culm9at+ 9
 ! symbol ( a ?rone1 conducts directly  

to an exam9ation ( 8 influ5ce & ma/]y   
ov] o!r m54 ,dur+ ^? tr\bl$ days 9      
,wa%+ton1 despite all ! malice1         
defiance1 & active abuse :i* he daily   
bore1 8 p[] to p]suade1 conciliate1 &   
gov]n o!r m5 01 9 all ! l&1 )\t a       
p>allel4 ,9 fact1 z well z 9 "n1 he 0   
?r\gh\t ^? presid5tial days ! ,nation's 
*ief magi/rate4 ,& s9ce 8 dea? t dom9ion
 has increas$1 until x /&s today above  
comp>ison4 ,"h is an opportunity1 n     
easily mat*$1 to explore a !me ^:       
importance 9 ! field ( e?ics no o!r     
topic c surpass--! seat & nature ( moral
 au?ority4 ,& "h 9 ?is second inaugural 
is a transp>5t illu/ration ( ! firm     
security 9 :i* t au?ority re/s1 & ( !   
me?od by :i* x prevails4  ,z 9 8 own    
inn] rev]5ce = law1 s 9 8 sway ( o!r m51
 8 po/ure t[>ds ! national ,con/itution 
dem&s att5tion fir/4  ,! supreme law ( !
 l&--?us ! ,con/itution ( ! ,unit$      
,/ates1 9 its six? article1 def9es      
itself4 ,9 its fif? article1 ! same     
fundam5tal docum5t provides t ,am5dm5ts1

 prop]ly made1 %all be valid to all     
int5ts & purposes z "p ( ?is            
,con/itution4 ,?is prim>y au?ority = !  
rule ( ! l& is fur!r affirm$ to h be5   
orda9$ & e/abli%$ by ! p ( ! ,unit$     
,/ates4 ,"h are ?ree notewor?y features 
( ?is law ( ! l&3--x is supreme2 x is   
am5dable2 x arises f ! p4  ,?is writt5  
/&>d ( our national life1 its           
am5dability1 & its primal orig9 9 ! p's 
w1 7 matt]s mu* 9 ,l9coln's eye4 ,ea*   
sep>ate "o ( ^! ?ree features ( our     
national civic life _h rev]5t respect 9 
,l9coln's m9d1 9 all 8 conception &     
ex]cise ( au?ority ov] o!r m54 ,x 0 ?is 
supreme law t he swore 9 bo?            
inaugurations to pres]ve1 protect1 &    
def5d4 ,an am5dm5t to ! ,con/itution1 t 
0 p5d+ at ! "t ( 8 fir/ inaugural oa?1  
he took unusual pa9s 9 t address to     
m5tion & approve4 ,& x 0 to ! p1 on bo? 
occasions ( 8 inauguration z presid5t1 &
 at all o!r times ( public & responsible
 address1 t he paid supreme respect1 9 8
 mo/ f9i%$ & e>ne/ eloqu5ce & appeal4   

,"h 0 a ?reefold ultimate /&>d to :i*   
,l9coln always made f9al appeal--!      
orig9al ,con/itution2 its am5ability to 
due revision2 & ! p's free & delib]ate  
decree4 ,?is triangul> base-l9e 0 =     
,l9coln's politics & jurisprud5ce &     
/atesman%ip ! supreme & f9i%$ /&>d ( la/
 appeal4 ,he def]r$ to x submissively1  
habitually1 & ) rev]5ce4  ,all ?is c be 
truly said4 ,& yet all ?is does n say   
all ! tru?4 ,respectful z ,l9coln 0 =   
all t he f\nd ?us fundam5tally          
prescrib$1 & he$ful z he 0 to indulge 9 
no executive lib]ty inconsonant ) ^?    
express decrees1 he f\nd 8 =tune z *ief 
executive =c+ him to move :]e all       
explicit regulations fail$ to specify ! 
pa?4 ,! ,con/itution does n include all 
details4 ,x does n v\*safe specific     
c\nsel = specific ne$s4 ,its guidance is
 z to pr9ciples4 ,no =esight c          
anticipate1 nor any docum5t ( reasonable
 l5g? conta91 express provisions = all  
possible que/ions4 ,?is he decl>$ 9 8   
fir/ inaugural4 ,!n he m5tions ?ree su* 

unprescrib$ details3--! me?od ( return+ 
fugitive slaves2 ! p[] ( ,congress to   
prohibit2 & ! duty ( ,congress to       
protect slav]y 9 ! ,t]ritories4 ,t\*+ ^?
 ?ree civic int]e/s1 civic duties &     
civic /&>ds 7 undirect$ & undef9$4 ,b   
ev5 :ile he spoke1 ^? ?ree unsettl$     
problems 9 ! ,nation's life 7 k9dl+ !   
national pulse to an uncontrollable     
heat4 ,no?+ less ?an civil w> 0 c]ta9ly 
imp5d+1 ov] controv]sies t\*+ :i* !     
sov]eign /&>ds ( ! civic life did n     
expressly speak4  ,^u ^! mom5t\s1       
undecid$ que/ions ,l9coln1 9 8 high     
au?ority z presid5t1 _h to br+ 8        
judgm5t1 8 action1 & 8 influ5ce into    
settl$ %ape4 ,deep 9 ! he>t ( ^!        
unsettl$ regions he set 8 camp1 & toil$ 
away 8 life4 ,?is h]oic & patriotic act 
may be call$ a detail ( con/itutional   
int]pretation4 ,b x 0 = ,l9coln a labor 
( ,h]cules4 ,x op5$ a gigantic          
controv]sy4 ,! l& 0 convuls$ ) cont5d+  
explications4 ,views1 held ess5tial to !
 vital honor ( sep>ate sections ( ! l&1 

7 9 ess5tial ho/ility4 ,z ! diss5sion   
deep5$1 two que/ions rose1 out/&+ above 
! re/3--! ,con/itutional integrity ( !  
sev]al ,/ates 7might ,/ates sec$e872 & !
 ,con/itutional rights ( slav]y 7%\ld   
slav]y spread874 ,bo? ^! problems 7     
mortally acute 9 #ahfa4 ,bo? 7 /ill 9 h&
 9 #ahfe4 ,"u ! ,con/itution c\ld !     
,union be legitimately dissolv$8 ,"u !  
,con/itution %\ld slav]y be p]man5tly   
approv$8 ,to bo? ^! que/ions ,s\!rn     
lead]s answ]$1 ,yes4 ,to bo? ^! que/ions
 ,l9coln answ]$1 ,no4  ,( ^! two        
que/ions & assev]ations1 x is pla9 to   
see t ! second is ! m pr(\nd4 ,s ?is    
second inaugural affirms3 ,someh[ slav]y
 0 ! cause ( ! secession & ! w>4 ,?is   
all knew4 ,^u ?is pivot1 all ! *ances & 
cont5tions ( ! great debate 7 compell$  
to turn4 ,"h lay all ! mean+ ( ! w>4    
,all ^? awful battles 7 trembl+1 /ruggl+
 argum5ts2 ?rill+1 impassion$           
affirmations /riv+ to f9ally & =ev]     
decide :e!r human slav]y 0 ju/ifi$ to   
spread4  ,"h 0 a supreme div]g5ce (     

conviction1 & a supreme debate4 ,9 all !
 realm ( social morals1 no div]g5ce & no
 debate c\ld be m radical4 ,into ?is    
supreme cont5tion ,l9coln 0 compell$ to 
ent]4 ,to "s conclusion t %\ld be       
supreme he 01 by 8 (ficial /ation &     
responsibility1 compell$ to lead4 ,to   
f9d 8 way ?r\gh su* a controv]sy1 & to  
guide ! l& ?r\gh all t /rife to "s      
sov]eign reconciliation1 involv$ ?is    
common citiz5 9 ! presid5tial *air 9 an 
assumption & ex]cise ( au?ority no?+    
less ?an sov]eign4  ,face to face ) ?is 
imp5d+ & decisive agony1 ,l9coln took 8 
/& 9 8 fir/ inaugural1 n fl9*+ ev5 f w>1
 if w> mu/ come4 ,a mighty wre/l] 9 !   
awful ?roes ( mortal civic /rife1 he    
held 8 det]m9$ /& 9 ! act ( 8 second    
inaugural oa?1 aft] w> _h rag$ = f\r    
full ye>s4 ,! great debate is unsettl$  
/ill4 ,/ill ,l9coln has to be> ! awful  
burd5 ( responsible advice4 ,he is /ill 
! ,nation's *ief magi/rate4 ,an au?ority
 pregnant to pr$et]m9e cont95tal issues 
= unnumb]$ ye>s to come1 h[ev] dread its

 weight1 & h[ev] frail & fa9t 8 mortal  
/r5g?1 he may n demit4 ,)9 ! d>kness &  
amid ! d91 he mu/ ?9k & speak1 he mu/   
judge & act1 he mu/ rise & lead1 :ile a 
,nation & a future bo? too va/ = human  
eye to scan & e/imate1 /& wait+ on 8 ^w 
& de$4  ,x 0 a "t = om5s4 ,b nev] did   
,l9coln's ways %[ full] sanity4 ,9 su* a
 day1 & = su* a responsibility ?is1 8   
second inaugural address1 is ,l9coln's  
p]fect v9dication4 ,"h ! true civilian's
 true democracy /&s ve/$ ) an au?ority  
bo? sov]eign & beautiful4 ,"h political 
exp]tness becomes consummate4 ,"h ! v   
?rone ( civil au?ority is unveil$4 ,"h  
lead]%ip & fell[%ip comb9e4 ,"h a ma/]1 
?\gh none m mode/ 9 all ! l&1           
demon/rates 8 ma/]y 9 ! mighty field (  
national politics4 ,"h x may be fully   
se5 h[ 9 a true democracy a true dom9ion
 op]ates4  ,"h em]ges1 9 ! rip5$1 rugg$1
 mell[$1 moral "* ( ,l9coln1 & 9 !      
f9i%$1 immortal =mulation ( 8 utt]mo/   
cont5tion & appeal1 a m>vel\s           
illum9ation ( an inquiry1 t is always   

alike ! la/ & ! fir/1 ! fir/ & ! la/ 9  
e?ical rese>*--! inquiry ab\t e?ical    
au?ority4 ,:]e did ,l9coln f9ally re/ 8 
f9al appeal8 ,he is assum+ to v5ture a  
prepond]ant claim4 ,he is speak+ z a    
,nation's presid5t4 ,& 9 a conflict (   
radical views t = f\r dread ye>s has be5
 a conflict ( rel5tless arms1 he argues 
/ill1 & )\t a quav]1 = ! ?or\gh         
prosecution ( ! w>4 ,div]g5ce ( judgm5t 
on moral gr\nds c\ld nev] be br\ght to a
 %>p] edge4 ,cont5tion ov] issues 9 !   
moral realm c\ld nev] be h>d] press$4   
,on :at au?ority c\ld ,l9coln pu% a     
moral argum5t unto blood8 ,is !re moral 
w>rant = su* a de$8 ,if ev] !re be1 !n  
:]e is its base1 & :5ce its awful       
sanctity8  ,to %ape reply to ?is is b to
 %ape m %>ply /ill ! nak$ sub/ance ( !  
debate--! cry+ issue ( ! w>4 ,! core ( t
 insi/5t /rife conc]n$ ! ess5tial nature
 ( man4 ,0 slav]y legitimate8 ,might a  
:ite man enslave a black8 ,c\ld a /rong 
man enslave ! weak8 ,d>e "s m5 =swe>    
toil8 ,may any m5 :o toil be pillag$ ( !

 food _! h&s h e>n$8 ,are "s m5 entitl$ 
to a luxury & ease !y nev] e>n$1 :ile to
 o!r m5 ! luxury & ease !y h fairly won 
may be d5i$8 ,are "s m5 s inf]ior t !y c
 h no "r to life1 & lib]ty1 & happ9ess1 
h[ev] mu* !y /rive & long = su* a       
simple1 common boon8 ,are o!r m5 s      
sup]-excell5t t life1 & lib]ty1 &       
happ9ess are !irs by "r1 ?\gh nev] e>n$ 
or ev5 /ruggl$ = at all8  ,?is 0 !      
c5tral issue ( t w>2 & ?is ! c5tral !me 
( ?is inaugural4 ,are common p to be    
=ev] kept b5ea?1 & trad$ on1 & ey$ )    
scorn2 :ile favor$ m5 are to be =ev] set
 on high1 & fill$ ) weal?1 & f$ )       
flatt]y8 ,?is 0 ! quiv]+ "q t 0 br\ght  
on ,l9coln's lips to its %>pe/ edge4    
,well he knew its mom5t\sness & its     
antiquity4  ,9 its v =mulation1 z       
,l9coln gave x %ape1 !re loom$ !        
=mulation ( its reply1 p]haps /ill to be
 bitt]ly defi$1 p]haps to be /ill long  
def]r$2 b inevitable at la/1 & sure     
f9ally to f9d agreem5t ev]y:]e4 ,?is    
f9al answ] ,l9coln's vision saw4 ,9 t   

cle> vision he disc]n$ ! c]ta9 mean+ ( !
 battles ( ! w>4 ,9 ! great debate !y 7 
! solemn1 measur$ argum5ts4 ,amid ^?    
awful argum5ts ?is inaugural took its   
place1 ! oracle ( a moral prophet1      
expla9+ h[ ! w> arose1 by ^: high h& !  
w> 0 be+ l$1 & 9 :at high issue ! w> mu/
 atta9 its end4 ,z ! argum5ts ( ?is     
address advance1 "o gr[s to feel t      
,l9coln's ?\ght is =g+ a reply1 9 :i*   
em]ges a moral law ^: au?ority no man   
may ev] d>e rebuke4  ,b z t au?ority    
comes to view 9 ,l9coln's spee*1 its =m 
is %orn ( e %r$ ( arrogance4 ,nev] 0    
mortal man m mode/ ?an 9 ! tone &       
sub/ance ( ?is address4 ,?is mode/y is  
inde$ ?r\gh\t devoid ( wav]+4 ,8 tones  
r+ ) confid5ce & decisiv5ess4 ,b 9 t    
confid5ce1 ?\gh girt = w>1 !re are fold$
 signs ( def]5ce & g5tl5ess & solemn    
awe1 z ?\gh confess+ error & confront+  
rebuke4 ,ev5 ( slav]y1 t mo/ palpable & 
abhorr5t evil1 z he =ev] av]s2 & (      
slavehold]s1 :o wr+ _! bread f ! sweat (
 o!r m5's faces1 & !n d>e to pray =     

heav5's favor on _! arms1 he says 9 ?is 
address3--let u n judge t we be n judg$2
 z ?\gh ! g]m ( t d>k error might !n be 
swell+ 9 8 & all m5's he>ts4 ,& z to !  
w> itself1 = :i* he bade ! ,nation /& ) 
sword full-drawn1 ! c5tral passage 9 ?is
 spee* m ?an intimates1 :at 9 an e>li]  
"p he fully conc$es1 t he & all ! p _h  
avail$ b poorly to und]/& ! ,almighty's 
plans4 ,9 all ( ?is ,l9coln seems to say
 t he f\nd himself1 9 common ) all ! l&1
 b imp]fectly 9 h>mony ) ,god1 z to 8   
judgm5t conc]n+ ! s9 inwr\ght 9 hold+   
slaves1 & z to ! primacy ( ! ,union     
among ! int]e/s p5d+ 9 ! w>4 ,he seems 9
 ?is address1 s f> f affirm+ 8 "r to    
judge & gov]n arbitr>ily1 in/ead        
confess+ t love ( ease1 gre$ = ga91 !   
mood ( scorn1 & pron5ess to be cruel--^?
 inhuman roots t re> up slav]y--7 apt to
 f9d hidd5 nutrim5t 9 8 & all m5's      
he>ts1 yield+ ev]y:]e ! baleful h>ve/ ( 
inhumanity2 confess+ fur!r t ?is        
deep-root$ t5d5cy 9 human he>ts to undo 
,god's primal decree ( fre$om & equality

 0 f> m ne$ful to eradicate ?an any     
pron5ess to sec$e )9 any conf$]acy (    
,/ates2 & confess+ 9 consequ5ce & f9ally
 t x 0 = all ,am]icans to accept ! w> z 
,god's rebuke ( _! common prop5sity to  
be unk9d1 & z ,god's correction ( _!    
false rat+ ( _! national conc]ns4 ,?is  
!n seems to be ,l9coln's po/ure 9 ?is   
address--no l(ty arrogance ( au?ority to
 decree & execute ! "r2 b a humble      
confession ( error & guilt2 an          
acquiesc5t submission to ,god's         
correction & repro(4 ,?is mode/ hue mu/ 
t9cture ?is address ?r\gh all its web4  
,& yet ! dom9ant note ( ?is inaugural is
 cle> decisiv5ess1 an unwav]+ firmness 9
 8 own op9ion1 a classic illu/ration (  
p]suasion & appeal1 z ?\gh f ! vantage  
gr\nd ( convictions p]fectly assur$4    
,:]e n[1 9 full view ( all t has be5    
said1 is ! basis ( ,l9coln's argum5t &  
au?ority to be plac$8 ,9 an argum5t :]e 
conviction seems to be transmut$ into   
p5it5ce1 & :]e confession seems         
transfigur$ into confid5ce1 h[ c ! logic

 be resolv$2 & :]e at la/ c ! au?ority  
repose8  ,! full reply to ?is inquiry c 
be f\nd only :5 we f9d :]e ,l9coln's    
conviction & confession coalesce4 ,t\*+ 
?is1 "o ?+ is cle>4 ,bo? be> ^u ! same  
conc]n4 ,deep )9 !m bo? slav]y is !     
common !me4 ,assur$ t slav]y is wrong1  
he confesses t its roots run ev]y:]e4   
,hone/ to ! core1 he b[s b5ea? ! sc\rge 
( w>1 conv9c$ t x is heav5's p5alty ^u  
all ! l&4 ,?r\gh\t he is plead+ & suff]+
 consi/5tly t all m5 may be free4 ,?is  
is ! sum ( ! address4 ,9 ?is x all      
coh]es4 ,?us he div9es & und]/&s ! ways 
( ,god4 ,& s he /&s1 z pois$ 9 ?is      
address1 9 ideal fell[%ip1 at once ) m5 
:o h held slaves1 ) slaves 9 _! di/ress1
 ) ! ,creator 9 8 primal decree1 & ) !  
,provid5tial mean+ ( ! w>4  ,to all ?is 
problem1 vex+ s _m g5]ations1 ! cle> &  
witt+ t\* ( ,l9coln's sacrificial       
p5it5ce is ! ma/] key4 ,9 ?is all       
contradictions1 all ho/ilities1 all     
suff]+s1 all transgressions1 & all pure 
long+s are h>moniz$4 ,9 assurance &     

rep5tance he has f\nd h[ tru? & grace1  
bl5d+ toge!r 9 humble he$ = ,god & =    
undy+ s\ls1 hold complete dom9ion 9 !   
moral realm4 ,^! pure pr9ciples1        
cong5ial alike to ,god & m51 he welcomes
 to himself1 & comm5ds to all 8 fell[m5 
9 sacrificial p>tn]%ip4  ,"h is         
,l9coln's prevail+ fai?4 ,?is is !      
secret ( 8 /r5g?4 ,h]e9 ve/s 8 comm&+ & 
endur+ p[]4 ,?is is ,l9coln's self--8 v 
manhood4 ,?is is ! man 9 ?is address :om
 ! _w beheld1 & /ill beholds--! man he  
01 ! man he aim$ & /rove to be1 ! man he
 recomm5d$ all ! ,nation to comb9e to   
reproduce1 ! man 9 :om ! fe> ( ,god1 !  
love ( m51 ! zeal = life1 & true        
reliability1 m+le ev5ly1 at :atev] co/4 
,?is is ! man1 & ?is ! mighty influ5ce  
ov] o!r m51 en?ron$ imp]i%ably 9 ?is    
address4  ,"h is ! ?rone1 ! scept]1 & ! 
key to ,l9coln's va/ au?ority4 ,x is    
patt]n$ & in=m$ f ! c>d9al con/itu5ts ( 
a balanc$ moral "*4 ,x is inwr\ght )9 a 
life t he$s h>moni\sly1 & ) h]oic       
e>ne/ness1 8 own integrity1 8 ,god1 8   

fell[man1 & ?+s immortal4 ,hold+ s\ls   
above goods1 hold+ 8 fell[ z himself1   
hold+ himself 9 true respect1 & hold+   
,god above all1 he /&s & pleads1 ) a    
cog5cy t is unansw]able1 = v]ities z    
self-evid5t to any man z any man's      
self-consci\sness4 ,all 8 claims 9 !    
he>t ( ?is address are self-app>5t4 ,!y 
are orig9al convictions4 ,!y prove &    
approve !mselves4 ,!y make no call =    
sub/antiation4 ,!y confront e man )9    
himself1 ! light 9 8 eye1 ! life 9 8    
he>t1 ! spr+ 9 8 hope4 ,!y confront e   
man aga9 )9 8 neighbor4 ,!y confront bo?
 m5 aga91 :5 toge!r !y look up to ,god4 
,& f> )9 all =ms t *ange1 !y confront   
all m5 =ev]more 9 ?+s t immortally      
abide4  ,?is is ! tru? to :i* ,l9coln   
pl$g$ 8 tro?1 & 9 :i* he bes\ght all o!r
 m5 to plight _! fai?1 9 ?is address4 ,!
 vivid1 ev]-liv+ dignity 9 man1         
discov]able by e man )9 himself1 to be  
greet$ by e "o 9 8 bro!r-man1 at once ! 
image & ! h&iwork ( ,god--?is def9$ all 
8 fai?1 fir$ all 8 zeal1 woke all 8     

eloqu5ce1 %ap$ all 8 argum5t1 w+$ all 8 
hope4 ,t su* a be+ %\ld be a slave1 t   
su* a be+ %\ld h a slave1 0 9 8 c5tral  
conviction1 ( all wrong de$s1 ! lea/    
def5sible4 ,x 0 ! primal moral falsity1 
cruelty1 insult1 & debasem5t4 ,t su* a  
s9 %\ld be aton$1 at :atev] co/1 0 !    
primal task ( purity1 rev]5ce1 t5d]ness1
 & tru?4 ,hold+ su* convictions1 h&l+   
su* conc]ns1 = him to make ! /atem5t 0  
to give x demon/ration4 ,aga9/ su*      
convictions1 & 9 scorn ( su* conc]ns1 no
 man c\ld s]i\sly cont5d )\t assail+ &1 
9 ! end1 undo+ himself4 ,?is 0 ! citadel
 & ! weaponry ( ,l9coln's au?ority4  ,& 
,l9coln f\nd )9 ^! views ! pl$ge (      
p]man5ce4 ,he saw !m bulw>k$ &          
corroborat$ by all ! lessons &          
revelations ( hi/ory4 ,all devices (    
human society1 cont5d+ aga9/ ^!         
rudim5t>y v]ities1 _h be5 prov$ p]nici\s
 & self-defeat+ a ?\s& times4 ,only su* 
behavior ( man ) man z h>moniz$ ) !     
creative design1 & sprang f end[m5ts t 7
 common to all1 c\ld ev] hope to la/4   

,"h is ! sov]eign lesson f all !        
c5turies pa/1 & a sov]eign *all5ge = all
 ! c5turies to come4 ,z ,l9coln view$ x1
 he 0 h&l+ a matt] beyond debate1 :5 he 
talk$ ( two c5turies & a half (         
unrequit$ toil4 ,if t 0 n wrong1 !n no?+
 0 wrong4 ,!re is ! :ole ( ,l9coln's    
argum5t1 & ! :ole ( 8 au?ority4 ,x /ood 
true two hundr$ & fifty ye>s ago4 ,x w  
hold fa/ two hundr$ & fifty ye>s h5ce4  
,to d5y ?is is to de?rone all law1 turn 
e freeman's highe/ boa/ to %ame1 &      
f9ally bani% moral ord] f human gov]nm5t
 & f human ?\ght4 ,t ?is c\ld nev] be   
suff]$ or confess$ 0 ! sub/ance (       
,l9coln's argum5t1 & ! sum ( 8 au?ority4
 ,?is & ?is alone 0 ! sov]eign lesson t 
! sacrificial sorr[s ( ! w> 7 se>+ s    
legibly1 t all ! _w c\ld read1 ^u !     
s9ful ,nation's brea/4 ,& 9 say+ ?is1   
,l9coln's voice 0 plead+ z ! voice (    
,god4   ,,8 ,,v]satility--,,! ,,problem 
,,( ,,m]cy  ,! /udy ( ,l9coln's         
au?ority1 z x wields dom9ion 9 ! la/    
inaugural1 has br\ght to prom95ce 8     

humble read9ess to %>e rep5tantly ) all 
! ,nation1 9 ! bitt] sorr[s ( ! w>1 !   
div9e rebuke = s94 ,t s9 0 ! wrong (    
hold+ slaves4 ,b 9 all ! l&1 if any man 
0 innoc5t ( t iniquity1 x 0 ,l9coln4 ,& 
yet ! hone/ ,l9coln 0 nev] m s9c]e1 m   
nobly true & hone/ ) himself1 ?an 9 ?is 
deep-wr\ght co-p>tn]%ip ) guilt4 ,surely
 "h is call = ?\ght4  ,l9coln's "* 0    
f]tile4 ,! pr9ciples t gov]n$ 8         
developm5t 7 liv+ & prolific4 ,9 8      
e?ics1 z 9 8 bodily tissues1 he 0 alive4
 ,z ! days & ye>s w5t on1 he grew4 ,l   
v9es & trees1 he add$ to 8 /ature       
con/antly4 ,new twigs & t5drils 7       
cont9ually putt+ out1 se>*+ t[>ds !     
sun%9e & ! spr+s1 & embrac+ all ! field4
 ,& 9 all ?is increase he 0 supremely   
pliable4 ,:ile always firm & /rong1 he  
_h a wond]ful capacity to b5d4  ,!      
prim>y1 t[]+ impulse work+ 9 ,l9coln's  
life 0 e?ical4 ,amid ! cont9ual m$ley & 
confusion ( ?+s1 he 0 cont9ually rea*+ &
 se>*+ to f9d & pla9ly designate ! "r & 
! wrong4 ,?is /&s evid5t ev]y:]e4 ,n[h]e

 does ?is /& pla9] ?an 9 ! p]iod1 :51 at
 8 second inaugural1 he fac$ a second   
presid5tial t]m4 ,/ill /ra9+ 9 ! toil & 
turmoil1 9 ! int5se & bl9d+ passion ( ! 
w>1 he halts ^u ! ?re%old ( a second    
quadr5nium ( supreme responsibility1 to 
see if he c surely trace ,god's         
indication ( :at is "r4 ,! et]nally "r 0
 :at he s\ght4 ,he 0 aft] no m]e        
exp$i5cy1 no ephem]al %ift = ephem]al   
ne$s4 ,! judgm5ts ( ! ,almighty ,rul] ( 
,nations1 true & righte\s altoge!r &    
ev]more1 7 :at he pray$ to f9d & "k4    
,!n1 if ev]1 ,l9coln's e>ne/ness 0      
moral4  ,& = ?is se>* at j ?is "t 8 eye 
0 peculi>ly sob]$ & grave4 ,port5t\s    
problems 7 em]g+1 z ! f9i% ( ! w> drew  
ne>4 ,& ^! problems 7 new4 ,:at %\ld !  
,nation1 :5 x laid aside its arms1      
decide to d ) ! sec$$ ,/ates1 & ) ^?    
millions ( untutor$ slaves8 ,= t no     
prec$5t 0 at h&1 no direction 9 ! laws4 
,! conclusion mu/ be orig9al4 ,& x mu/  
be supreme4 ,& its issues mu/ hold wide 
sway = g5]ations ( imp]ial1 exp&+ gr[?4 

,!re loom$ an imp5d+ p]il1 & a te/ (    
/atesman%ip1 dem&+ ! wisdom1 &          
integrity1 & deep =esight ( a moral     
pr9ce--a p]il & a moral te/ b poorly met
 by ! m5 :om 8 untimely dea? ?ru/ into  
,l9coln's place4 ,= br++ to p]fection 8 
rip5+ judgm5t ^u t task1 & s = display+ 
ano!r hi/oric demon/ration ( ,l9coln's  
moral adaptability1 ! few %ort requisite
 ye>s 7 my/]i\sly to be d5i$4  ,b ^u o!r
 problems & 9 o!r days1 !re 0 ample     
revelation ( ,l9coln's agile moral      
/r5g?4 ,8 entire c>e] 9 national        
prom95ce provides out/&+ demon/ration ( 
! cont9ual full mobility & pla/ic fre$om
 ( 8 moral p[]s4 ,! civil w>1 :i* he 0  
conduct+ ) su* det]m9ation to its       
pr$e/9$ end1 z he /ood ! c5tral figure 9
 ?is second inaugural sc5e1 0 b ! c5tral
 vortex ( a moral agitation 9 :i* all   
our national pr9ciples & prec$5ts 7     
*all5g$ & defi$2 & 9 :i* /atesm5 (      
supremely facile1 virile1 moral s5se 7 9
 exig5t dem&4 ,problems 7 prop\nd$      
con/antly ^u :i* our ,con/itution %$ no 

c]ta9 light1 & ! ,con/itution itself 0 9
 a way to be ov]turn$4  ,?r\gh\t ?is    
p]iod ( national discord & moral        
in/ability1 ,l9coln 0 a lead+1 creative 
m9d4 ,! circuit ( t c>e] 0 brief inde$1 
sc>cely m ?an "o decade4 ,b 9 ^? d>k1   
swift ye>s %9e & clu/] _m illu/rations (
 ! ri* & ready f]tility ( 8 e?ical      
po/ulates 9 ! political realm4 ,man ( ! 
p ?\gh he 01 & acutely s5sitive ( 8     
responsibility to ! p = e responsible   
act1 he 0 9 e judgm5t & resolve e in* a 
k+1 op5m9d$1 orig9al1 free4 ,aga91 &    
aga91 & aga91 he 0 ! man = ! h\r4  ,"o  
demon/ration ( ?is is %[n 9 8 surpris+  
read9ess4 ,) :atev] situation1 he behav$
 z ?\gh famili>4 ,undiscipl9$ 9         
diplomacy1 he prov$ himself almo/       
in/antly a f9i%$ diplomat4 ,totally     
untutor$ 9 all ! acts & practices ( w>1 
b compell$ by 8 (fice to take sov]eign  
comm& ( ! ,nation's arms1 & t s sudd5ly 
t ev5 ! arms !mselves c\ld n be f\nd1 he
 became "o ( ! =emo/ critics & c\nselors
 ( p]il\s & intricate milit>y campaigns4

 ,unaccu/om$ to au?ority1 b advanc$ at a
 leap to ! ,nation's head1 beleagu]$ by 
deadly animosities among cliques &      
sections & ,/ates1 encompass$ by        
%ameless cab9et intrigues1 he develop$1 
z 9 "o day1 into manag]1 advis]1        
adm9i/rator ( political affairs1 ! mo/  
a/ute 9 all ! l&4  ,a mo/ impressive    
example ( ?is adju/ability is se5 9 8   
manifold capacity = moral pati5ce4 ,x   
reveals h[ he c\ld keep 8 full          
integrity1 :ile b9d+ up 8 life & =tune  
insep>ably ) m5 ^: moral /&>ds sway$ f> 
f 84 ,l9coln's fir/ inaugural gave      
lum9\s def9ition ( 8 designs & hopes4 ,!
 pr9ciples !re prop\nd$ 7 ! ripe & firm 
convictions ( a ?\ghtful1 hone/ life4   
,!y _h be5 pron\nc$ repeat$ly be=e4 ,to 
_! def5se & consummation 8 he>t & honor 
7 pl$g$ irrevocably4 ,^? propositions 7 
! irr$ucible rudim5ts ( 8 fai?1 !       
p]man5t con/itu5ts ( 8 hope4 ,surr5d] ^?
 convictions & desires he nev] did1 he  
nev] c\ld4 ,)9 ! ample compass & easy   
play ( ^? gl[+ s5tim5ts !re 0 no room = 

secession1 nor = w>1 nor = any          
bitt]ness1 b only = loyalty1 fell[%ip1  
peace4 ,b z he turn$ f t inauguration & 
its decl>ation ( 8 policy t[>d !        
execution ( 8 tru/1 he _h to face & h&le
 secession1 w>1 & malici\s defamation4  
,he _h to see ! ,nation's holie/ dignity
 desecrat$1 all 8 bro!rly (fices        
disda9$1 ! s\ls ( m5 /ill held z        
rightful objects ( common trade1 & !    
pla9e/ decrees ( ,god defi$4 ,?is z %[n 
9 ! _s & upris+ ( ! impati5t1 imp]i\s   
,s\?4  ,& )9 ! ,nor?1 9 ! v armies      
assembl$ = ! ,union's def5ce1 he _h to  
f9d ! v lead]s & plott]s ( 8 campaigns  
absorb$ & ov]come by petty jeal\sies1   
too despicable & unpatriotic to be      
believ$1 & yet s real & vici\s z to     
defeat _! battles be=e !y 7 f\ght4 ,&   
back among ! ,union multitudes ar\nd 8  
base1 7 m5 ( might & /&+1 & m5 9        
multitudes1 :o malign$ 8 motives1 &     
entangl$ 8 plans1 until antagonism ! mo/
 malignant & resolv$ to all 8 views &   
und]tak+s seem$ to environ him on e     

side4  ,to su* conditions x 0 ,l9coln's 
bitt] obligation to con=m4 ,_m m5 7     
ready ) _m fond prescriptions = ! case2 
b !y all 7 m>k$ by weak futility4 ,!y   
ei!r br\ght ! ,nation no complete       
relief1 or else surr5d]$ ! ,nation's v  
life4 ,)9 ! /ra9 & pull f e side ,l9coln
 felt ! obligation ( 8 oa?4  ,! mood &  
me?od he employ$ 7& let n ! phrase be   
misund]/ood7 0 moral relaxation4 ,?is   
did n mean t he alt]$ aught ( 8 pron\nc$
 belief1 or v>i$ by a s+le hair f 8     
ann\nc$ design4 ,he rememb]$ 8 inaugural
 oa?4 ,he reta9$ 8 fai? & hope1 & held  
to 8 prime resolve un*ang$4 ,b he gave !
 opposition "t4 ,he suff]$ malignants to
 malign1 sec$]s to rebel1 detractors to 
impugn2 & bore _! taunts & bl[s & w\nds 
pati5tly1 /ill abid+ by 8 ^w4 ,8 v w> 0 
simply = def5se4 ,! honor ( ! ,union he 
w\ld n yield up4 ,8 bro!rly fri5dl9ess  
he w\ld n =ego4 ,8 rat+ ( freem5 he w\ld
 n disc\nt4 ,! m&ates ( ,god he w\ld n  
disobey4 ,b :ile on e h& ^! might be    
assail$ & abjur$1 he repress$ all       

viol5ce & vehem5ce ( he>t1 & endur$1 &  
indulg$1 & 0 /ill4  ,h]e91 h[ev]1 8     
convictions & hopes wore a modifi$      
guise4 ,_! rigor s(t5$2 _! lu/re mell[$2
 _! angles broad5$2 _! rud5ess rip5$2 & 
8 aspect pass$ ?r\gh *ange2 ! :ile 8    
honor bright5$ & became m cle>4 ,?is    
adju/m5t ( su* a nature to su* a fate is
 a massive illu/ration ( moral          
v]satility4 ,x is l keep+ ! /e$ to !    
c\rse1 :ile yet lay+ ! re9 ^u 8 neck4   
,?r\gh exp]i5ce su* z ?is x mu/ h be5 t 
,l9coln trav]s$ 8 pr(\nde/ sorr[4 ,j "h 
8 critics & traduc]s _h _! firme/ hold4 
,to ! _w at l>ge 8 tactics did seem     
slack1 8 me?od dilatory1 8 mood         
indiff]5t4 ,m5 we>i$ pa/ endurance at 8 
delay1 & *>g$ repeat$ly t he _h betray$ 
8 tru/4 ,su* accusations mu/ h be5 to 8 
pure loyalty l gall4 ,& yet he mu/ p]=ce
 be mute4 ,x 0 n he1 x 0 ! awful        
situation 9 :i* 8 noble life 0 manacl$1 
t 0 s incorrigible4 ,) ,god & man he    
plead$ day & night t blood%$ might be   
/ay$1 & peace possess ! l&4 ,b an enemy 

0 9 ! l&1 det]m9$ n to leave 8 guns     
until ! ,union 0 dissolv$1 & slav]y     
v9dicat$ z "r4 ,r ?an =sake ! ,union1 & 
own t m5 7 z ! brutes1 he w\ld die a    
?\s& times4 ,& ) a pati5ce t no malice &
 no mis=tune c\ld we> away1 he held 8   
po/ & kept 8 ^w1 ?r\gh torm5ts too sev]e
 = unh]oic m5 to be>1 produc+ ?us ^u 8  
sil5t1 sorr[ful face a humble replica ( 
! div9e long-suff]+ ( ! meek & l[ly     
,*ri/4 ,& s he taught ! _w h[ 9 pati5ce 
! righte\sness t abhors all wrong may   
turn its face t[>d s9 ) humble meekness1
 ?r\gh ye>s t seem l c5turies1 & cause  
!reby t pure & ,godlike tru? & love %all
 only be m glori\s4  ,b ev5 ) ?is !     
description ( ?is case /&s incomplete4  
,to und]/& x rightly fur!r /atem5ts are 
requir$4 ,aft] all 8 pati5ce1 ! ,s\? 0  
obdurate4 ,ev5 :ile 9 ?is la/ inaugural 
,l9coln 0 plead+ = univ]sal *>ity1 &    
seek+ to bani% malice ev]y:]e1 ! lead]s 
( ! armies 9 ! ,s\? 7 rally+ _!         
unrecruit$ ranks 9 a v desp]ation (     
hatr$ = 8 pr9ciples1 & ( scorn = 8      

=be>ance4 ,:ile he 0 int]pret+ !        
desolations & sorr[s ( ! w> z ,god's    
all-p[]ful puni%m5t ( slav]y1 our common
 national s91 !y res5t$ ) impassion$    
vehem5ce su* an explanation1 disclaim$  
all guilt1 & d5i$ t slav]y 0 wrong4  ,"h
 em]g$ 9 ,l9coln's ?\ght ,l9coln's      
supreme p]plexity4 ,he 0 deal+ ) "r &   
wrong1 bo? only ! m int5sely real1      
because s really concrete4 ,lib]ty &    
loyalty1 loyalty to lib]ty1 ! dignity ( 
man1 & ! good pleasure ( ,god--^! 7 !   
et]nal pr9ciples1 & ! p]sonal int]e/s at
 /ake4 ,antagonisms 7 deadly virul5t2 & 
!y 7 unrel5t+4 ,compulsion 0 n avail+4  
,pati5ce likewise fail$4 ,"h 0 a        
desp]ate call = moral ma/]%ip4 ,! man to
 meet ! crisis1 to jo9 ! cleft1 to r$uce
 to moral h>mony ?is discord ( "r &     
wrong1 ! man :o c\ld resolve & morally  
unify ?is moral disagreem5t mu/ h a s\l 
& an und]/&+ ^: insight & moral         
compreh5sion 7 complete4  ,"h ,l9coln's 
moral gr&eur ga9s its full dim5sion4 ,& 
9 ?is consummation x comes cle> to see  

h[ 9 v de$ "r & wrong1 evil & good1 c be
 encompass$ 9 a moral unison su* t evil 
rema9s ! all-abhorr5t ?+1 & good is     
prov$ to be alone desir$4 ,?is m>vel\s  
explication is f\nd )9 ! words & tone ( 
?is la/ inaugural4 ,x /&s conta9$ 9     
p]fect poise )9 ! mutual balanc+s ( 8   
pr9cely pl$ge to abjure all malice1 %[  
univ]sal *>ity1 & /ill pursue ! awful   
guidance ( ,almighty ,god 9 !           
prosecution ( ! w>4 ,h]e9 moral rigor1  
=be>ance1 & g5tl5ess d maje/ically      
coalesce4  ,! brea? & voice ( ?is same  
moral my/]y are felt & he>d aga9 )9 ?is 
same inaugural 9 t bold prophetic       
exposition ( ! ,provid5tial purport ( ! 
w>4 ,9 ! burn+ furnace ( ^? la/ f\r     
ye>s1 ,l9coln's eyes _h be5 purg$ to see
 h[ ! ways ( ,god transc5d ! ways &     
?\ghts ( m54 ,bo? ,nor? & ,s\?1 9 battle
 & 9 pray]1 _h fail$ to compreh5d !     
?\ghts ( ,god4 ,all ! movem5ts ( all _! 
armies 7 be+ mightily ov]-rul$4 ,!      
purposes ( ! ,almighty 7 8 own4 ,bo?    
,nor? & ,s\? _h gone a/ray4 ,nei!r side 

0 :olly "r4 ,! l& 0 "u discipl9e4 ,!    
,nation _h committ$ s94 ,t s9 0 de/9$ = 
requital4 ,t requital 0 to be complete4 
,! ways ( ,god 7 true & righte\s        
altoge!r4 ,all ?is ! ,nation mu/        
acquiesc5tly confess4 ,= all ! wrong (  
slav]y requital mu/ be made1            
submissively1 ungrudg+ly1 rep5tantly4   
,b5ea? t judgm5t e he>t mu/ b[4 ,! s9   
mu/ be abjur$4 ,its wrong mu/ be        
abhorr$4 ,goodwill to all alike mu/ be  
re/or$4 ,& ?r\gh x all ! ,almighty mu/  
be ador$4  ,l a solemn litany )9 a great
 ca!dral1 ^! solemn s5tim5ts ( ,l9coln  
res\nd$ ?r\gh ! l&1 z1 9 want ( any o!r 
prie/1 ,l9coln himself l$ ! ,nation to !
 alt> ( ! ,"l4 ,he truly l$4 ,& to an   
alt>4 ,9 ?is inaugural1 ,l9coln1 = all  
,am]icans1 b[s & veils 8 own brave he>t 
9 sacrificial sorr[ & confession1 to be>
 & suff] all t1 z ! ,nation's due1 & = !
 ,nation's rescue1 x is ! w ( holy heav5
 to inflict4  ,9 ?is pr(\nd1 spontane\s 
assumption ( full co-p>tn]%ip ) all !   
,nation 9 a ,nation's undivid$          

ill-des]t2 9 ?is uncompla9+ acquiesc5ce1
 :ile ,god inflict$ ^u ! l&1 z an awful 
sc\rge1 all ! %ame & co/ & sorr[ t !    
w(ul wrong ( slav]y _h entail$2 9 ?is   
deep disc]nm5t t deep 9 e he>t ran &    
fl\ri%$ all ! baleful roots ( gre$ &    
pride1 ( inju/ice & cruelty1 out f :i*  
all man's enbondagem5t ( bro!r man spr+s
 up2 9 ?is e/imation ( human slav]y z a 
prim>y s91 :ile receiv+ )\t rep9+ its   
ultimate doom--,l9coln unveils 9 8 s+le 
he>t1 an abhorr5ce & an endurance ( our 
national s91 t makes him endur+ly &     
indivisibly ! fri5d & bro!r ( u all1    
accompli%+1 9 a s+le moral exp]i5ce1 !  
patt]n ( ! confession1 & ( ! resolution 
( our common wrong4 ,unto ?is1 ,l9coln's
 moral v]satility atta9$4 ,beyond ?is1  
moral v]satility c\ld nev] g4  ,! same  
moral dextr\sness1 ?is facile p[] &     
flu5t read9ess to fully compreh5d &     
fitly meet ! moral ma/]y ( a problem1 9 
itself all b absolutely ob/9ate &       
impossible1 ?is wondr\s deftness 9      
comp\nd+ toge!r guilt & grace 9 mutual  

compassion & rep5tance1 is %[n 9        
,l9coln's pati5tly repeat$1 b always    
futile ef=ts to p]suade ! ,nor? & ! ,s\?
 to come toge!r1 & s br+ slav]y & all   
diss5sion to an end1 by giv+ & receiv+  
fiscal reimbursem5t = ! emancipation ( !
 slaves4 ,to ?is magnanim\s & unexampl$ 
proposition1 (f]$ 9 ! mid/ ( w>1 & urg$ 
9 words & tones ( classic w9som5ess1 !  
,nor? & ,s\? c\ld nev] be br\ght unit$ly
 to cons5t4 ,!re9 ?is moral h]o /ood l a
 k+ aga9/ ! wrong1 argu$ l a prophet = !
 "r1 & l$ t[>ds mutual p5it5ce &        
sacrifice l a prie/4 ,x is 9 human      
hi/ory "o ( ! supreme/ illu/rations (   
moral v]satility4 ,nev] 7 ,l9coln's "* &
 aim m /able ?an 9 t plea4 ,b nev] 0    
mortal man m mobile4 ,beyond all 8      
contempor>ies he obs]v$ & reg>d$ ! signs
 ( ! times4 ,he saw t ! anci5t ord] 0   
c]ta9ly to *ange4 ,he felt t an         
almighty1 a j1 & a b5ignant ,provid5ce  
_h assum$ control4 ,he disc]n$ t ! new  
ord] 0 freight$ ) va/ /ore ( good4 ,to  
make its entrance g5tle1 s t no?+ %\ld  

be r5t or wreck$1 0 ! sum ( all 8 ?\ght 
& toil4 ,he took = patt]n ! com+ ( !    
dew4 ,= 8 me?od he adopt$ 8 own         
well-ma/]$ & transc5d5t art ( bro!rly   
p]suasion4 ,z to mann]1 he 0 ve/ur$ 9   
humility1 desir+ to eject & ban !       
ph>isee f 8 own & all o!r he>ts4 ,=     
prevail+ motive he designat$ ! pass+ h\r
 z a "t ( unexampl$ opportunity4 ,s mu* 
good1 he said1 has n be5 done by "o ef=t
 9 all pa/ "t1 z 9 ! ,provid5ce ( ,god x
 is n[ y\r high privilege to d4 ,& =    
admonition he po9t$ to ! va/ness ( !    
future1 & a possible lam5t ov] a pitiful
 neglect4 ,b x 0 all = naught4 ,= su* a 
moral transmutation & free triumph !    
embattl$ ,nation 0 unprep>$4  ,b ov]    
aga9/ t unrel5t+ rigor1 8 moral read9ess
 to meet 8 bro!r1 fri5d or foe1 9 free &
 mutual sacrifice1 gl[s beautifully4    
,deep 9 ! he>t ( 8 design 0 /ruggl+     
h]oically1 & 9 balanc$ moral unison1 !  
,godlike _s ( et]nal ju/ice1 m]cy1 &    
conciliation4 ,9 8 /rong brea/ all pride
 0 crucifi$1 malice 0 melt$ d[n to      

t5d]ness1 hypocrisy & sordidness 7 purg$
 away4 ,8 moral outlook 0 n[ unob/ruct$1
 op5 e way4 ,!n 8 s\l /ood fleet & free 
= any pa? )9 ! moral univ]se4 ,) e man 9
 ?is broad l& he /ood ready to j\rney or
 soj\rn1 meek to suff]1 resolute to     
prevail4 ,%>+ ) ! wrongdo] & ! wrong$   
alike _! %ame & suff]+ & s91 :ile urg+ )
 immortal eag]ness t[>ds fairness &     
happ9ess & peace1 he resolv$ & ov]came !
 problem ( ! slavehold] & ! slave1 &    
made ?is l& =ev] ! univ]sal refuge ( !  
free4 ,9 su* a transmutation1 fir/ )9   
himself1 & !n ?r\gh\t ! l&1 moral z x is
 9 e fib]1 & f circumf]5ce to core1 is  
p]fect moral concord4 ,?us1 9 moral     
discord1 moral fre$om f9ds ! way to     
peace1 :ile full responsibility rema9s  
un*angeably supreme4 ,"h is ! f9al1     
p]fect triumph ( moral +5uity4 ,?us by  
means ( m]cy1 freely (f]$ & freely      
receiv$1 ?r\gh mutual fell[%ip 9 moral  
suff]+1 wrong may be compreh5d$1 & fully
 ov]come1 9 ! un*ang$ dom9ion ( ! "r4 ,s
 moral fre$om & moral consi/5cy comb9e4 

,m5's lives become vic>i\s4 ,?us moral  
v]satility culm9ates1 & ov]comes1 & w9s 
! sov]eign moral cr[n4   ,,8            
,,pati5ce--,,! ,,problem ,,( ,,meekness 
,9 ! *apt] j prec$+1 ,l9coln's pati5ce  
came into allusion & review4 ,t quality 
des]ves a some:at clos]1 sep>ate        
exam9ation4 ,:5 ,l9coln took 8 la/      
inaugural oa?1 he bas$ its mean+ ^u a   
/atem5t 9 8 inaugural address1 t all !  
havoc ( ! w> 01 "u ,god1 a p5alty &     
atonem5t = a wrong t _h be5 inflict$ &  
endur$ = c5turies4 ,9 ?is int]pretation 
he subtly int]wove a plead+ intimation t
 all ! l&1 9 rev]5t acquiesc5ce ) !     
righte\s rule ( ,god1 %\ld meekly b[    
toge!r to be> ! awful sacrifice4 ,&1    
deep )9 ?is op5 exposition ( 8 prophetic
 ?\ght1 !re gleam$ ! hidd5 pl$ge1 inh]5t
 9 8 undilut$ hone/y1 t he himself w\ld 
n decl9e1 b w\ld r /& ! fir/1 to be> all
 ! sorr[ consequ5t ^u su* wrong4  ,"h is
 an attitude1 & "h a proposition :i* m5 
& ,nations are =ev] prone to scorn2 b   
:i* all ,nations & all m5 w be compell$ 

or con/ra9$ at la/ to he$4 ,!re9 are    
publi%$ & enact$ v]ities1 ?an :i* none  
kn[n to m5 are m pr(\nd1 or va/1 or ve/$
 ) a high] dignity4 ,!y dem& att5tion   
"h4  ,! /atem5t made by ,l9coln pivots  
on (f5ses4 ,/rong m51 9 pride &         
arrogance ( /r5g?1 _h wrong$ ! weak4    
,weak m51 9 ! l[l9ess & impot5ce ( _!   
pov]ty1 _h borne ! wrong4 ,9 su*        
conditions ( pa9ful moral /ra9 !        
c5turies _h multipli$4 ,^? long-drawn   
ye>s ( viol5ce _h height5$ insol5ce into
 a defiance all b absolute4 ,^? selfsame
 ye>s ( suff]+ _h deep5$ ignom9y into   
all b absolute despair4 ,?r\gh bani%m5t 
( equity & *>ity1 ( purity & humility1  
:ile all ! heav5ly oracles seem$ mute1  
fe> & hope alike seem$ p>alyz$4 ,!      
oppressor seem$ to h =gott5 8 et]nal    
obligation to be k9d & fair4 ,! oppress$
 seem$ to h surr5d]$ f9ally 8 ,god-l    
dignity4 ,! times seem$ irrev]sible4    
,"h is a problem t1 :ile ev] mock+ human
 wisdom1 refuses to be mock$4 ,x enfolds
 a wrong1 und\bt$ moral wrong2 else     

naught is "r4 ,x ov]:elms4 ,)9 its awful
 deeps multitudes h be5 subm]g$4 ,& x is
 unreliev$4 ,x outwe>s ! prote/s &      
appeals ( total g5]ations ( unhelp$1    
indignant he>ts4  ,?is problem ,l9coln  
und]took to und]/&4 ,9 8 conclusion 0   
proclaim$ ! v9dication ( ! meek4 ,b5ea? 
t age-long wrong1 b5ea? ! sil5ce & delay
 ( ,god1 & b5ea? ! f9al recomp5se1 he   
prevail$ ^u 8 he>t1 & plead$ ) o!r he>ts
 to /& 9 suff]+1 hopeful acquiesc5ce4   
,among ^! sorr[s1 s wick$ly inflict$1   
)\t relief1 & )\t rebuke1 let pati5ce be
 p]fect$4 ,"h let meekness gr[ mature4  
,let confid5ce 9 our equal & unconqu]$  
manhood1 & let fai? 9 ,god n fail to    
ov]come all ,godlessness & inhumanity4  
,let "t be tru/$ absolutely to prove all
 wrong iniquit\s4 ,let ! wor? inh]5t 9  
undy+ s\ls be %[n to be inde$ immortal4 
,"h is ,l9coln's resolution ( ?is pr(\nd
 enigma1 a resolution unfold+ all its   
my/]y1 & involv+ all 8 "*4 ,"h ,l9coln  
won 8 cr[n4 ,?is is all 8 mean+ 9 abjur+
 malice1 & invok+ *>ity4 ,too k9dly to  

indulge res5tm5t1 :atev] ! provocation1 
& too s5sible ( 8 own integrity to ev]  
c\rt despair1 he appeal$ to ,god's      
et]nal ju/ice & compassion1 & clung to a
 hope t no angui% or delay c\ld ov]come4
 ,?is is ,l9coln's pati5ce4 ,?is is !   
inmo/ secret ( 8 moral /r5g?4 ,?is is 8 
pi]c+ & triumphant demon/ration t 9 ?is 
tr\bl$ _w1 :]e s9 s mu* ab\nds1 x is !  
meek :o %all f9ally prevail4  ,?is moral
 pati5ce des]ves to be explor$4 ,x      
compreh5ds +r$i5ts1 q z wor?y to be kept
 di/9ct1 z to be se5 9 unison4 ,= "o ?+ 
x id5tifi$ him ) slaves4 ,!re9 he bore a
 grave reproa*4 ,its weight only he     
himself c\ld rightly compute4 ,b5ea? !  
rude & among ! hurt he took delib]ate   
/&4 ,among ! l[ly1 be=e ! scorn]1 he    
held 8 place4 ,he brav$ ! ma/]'s taunts4
 ,he p5etrat$ to its he>t ! cause t kept
 ! black man mute4 ,he measur$ out1 b   
)\t indiff]5ce1 z )\t compla9t1 ! div9e 
delay4 ,he c\rt$ 9 8 ?\ght on slav]y a  
p]fect consci\sness ( its s94 ,he exam9$
 ) nice/ c>efulness ! suff]]s' impulse  

t[>ds rev5ge4 ,he knew ! awful mis]y 9  
human %ame4 ,he %>$ ) hone/ m5 _! pr\de/
 aspirations4 ,& all ( ?is1 he %>$ )    
blacks1 n by compulsion1 b z a volunte]4
  ,h]e91 & 9 ! second place1 he held fa/
 ! fundam5tal claims t e slave reta9$ an
 ineffaceable aff9ity ) ,god2 t ?is     
div9e inh]itance1 h[ev] deep ! negro's  
pov]ty1 c\ld nev] be annull$ or =feit$2 
t fri5dl9ess ) fell[m51 h[ev] h>d or sad
 _! lot1 0 no reproa*2 t 9 human sorr[s 
x well become? human he>ts1 z x become? 
,god1 to rememb] to be pitiful2 t all   
invasion or neglect ( ^? inh]5t human   
rights & dignities 0 b\nd to be av5g$2 t
 9 ,god's good "t all pati5t s\ls w\ld  
be cr[n$ ) song2 & t ?us 8 op5          
*ampion%ip ( ! cause ( slaves 0 9 p]fect
 keep+ ) 8 own unalt]$ & unalt]able     
self-respect4  ,a ?ird +r$i5t 9         
,l9coln's pati5ce 0 its conspicu\s &    
insep>able impea*m5t ( oppression4      
,l9coln's pati5ce "u moral wrong made   
him no neutral morally4 ,)\t fe> & )\t  
res]ve1 he held be=e oppressors1 h[ev]  

h>d or /rong1 ! enormity ( _! wrong4    
,be=e ! cruel _! cruelty 0 display$4    
,be=e ! arrogant _! arrogance 0 reflect$
 back4 ,be=e ! base & f\l _! sordidness 
0 br\ght to light4 ,be=e disloyal m5 !  
p]fidy ( cov5ant disloyalty 0 nak$ly    
unveil$4 ,all ! wrongs inwr\ght &       
und]gone 9 slav]y 7 recit$ ) insi/5t    
accuracy & unres]ve4 ,( all ^? c5turies 
( unpaid toil ea* mon? & ye> 7 reckon$  
up4 ,( all ^? s9s aga9/ pure womanhood &
 helpless infancy ea* tell-tale face 0  
told num]ically4 ,! moral wrong 9 slav]y
 0 set be=e its advocates & b5efici>ies 
unsp>+ly4 ,pati5ce1 :e!r ,god's or      
man's1 & :e!r = "o day or = a ?\s& ye>s1
 c nev] be int]pret$ or und]/ood to     
dim9i% s9's iniquity4 ,its prolong$     
p]si/5ce only aggravates its guilt4  ,9 
! f\r? place1 !re 0 9 ,l9coln's pati5ce 
a wait+ def]5ce be=e ,god's sil5ce &    
delay4 ,8 total confid5ce 0 9 ,god4 ,t  
,god 0 neglig5t1 or indiff]5t1 he w\ld n
 conc$e4 ,8 :ole abhorr5ce ( oppression 
0 bas$ on ,god's decree4 ,"h re/$ also  

all 8 hope ( recomp5se4 ,v5geance       
belongs to ,god4 ,he w rebuke ! mighty1 
& r$eem ! meek4 ,9 bo?1 8 righte\sness w
 be complete4 ,& :5 8 judgm5ts fall1 all
 m5 mu/ own ador+ly 8 p]fect equity4    
,f9ally1 9 ,l9coln's pati5ce !re is     
explicit recognition & confession ( 8   
own complicity ) all ! l&1 9 ! wrong to 
slaves1 & ( 8 own & all ! l&'s del9qu5cy
 be=e ! ,"l1 9 failure to disc]n &      
approbate ! div9e designs4 ,x _h be5    
left ) ,god's f> great] pati5ce & f>    
high] moral jeal\sy to ov]come & ov]:elm
 & ov]rule ! devi\s plans & ways ( err+ 
m54 ,9 l[ly acquiesc5ce x 0 = him & ! l&
 to acqua9t !mselves ) ,god's designs1  
confess _! w&]+s1 accept 8 w alike 9    
r$emption & rebuke1 & unite h5ce=? to   
repres5t & praise on e>? 8 p]fect equity
 & grace4  ,"h are ! elem5ts 9 ,l9coln's
 pati5ce1 & "h _! sum4 ,=m+ ) ! l[ly &  
oppress$ a free & intimate p>tn]%ip2    
av[+ jeal\sly = all mank9d a coequal    
dignity among !mselves & an imp]i%able  
aff9ity ) ,god2 decl>+ unfl9*+ly to all 

:o tyrannize ! full enormity ( _! primal
 s92 re/ra9+ malice & all av5g+ de$s2   
confess+ 8 own misjudgm5ts & misde$s    
among 8 fell[m5 & be=e ! ,"l2 he endures
 submissively ! div9e delays1 & %>es    
rep5tantly ) all :o s9 ! judgm5ts ( a   
p]fect righte\sness4 ,g5u9ely pitiful = 
suff]+ m51 %>ply jeal\s = human wor?1   
direct z light to designate ! %ame 9    
pride1 docile z a *ild be=e ! righte\s &
 et]nal rule ( ,god1 he illu/rates &    
demon/rates h[ a p]fect pati5ce makes   
requisition 9 a noble man ( all 8 noble/
 manl9ess4  ,b wor?y z are all its      
qualities1 its ex]cise entails /]n      
discipl9e 9 suff]+4 ,x co/s a man 8     
life4 ,t ?is 0 ,l9coln's und]/&+1 z he  
trav]s$ ! responsibility ( t la/        
inauguration day1 is witness$           
unmi/akably by 8 lett] to ,?url[ ,we$   
respect+ 8 inaugural address4 ,^! are 8 
words1 well wor?y to be reproduc$ a     
second "t3--  ,i believe x 7! address7  
is n imm$iately popul>4 ,m5 are n       
flatt]$ by be+ %[n t !re has be5 a      

diff]5ce ( purpose betwe5 ! ,almighty & 
!m4 ,to d5y x1 h[ev]1 9 ?is case1 is to 
d5y t !re is a ,god gov]n+ ! _w4 ,x is a
 tru? :i* ,i ?\ght ne$$ to be told1 &1 z
 :atev] ( humiliation !re is 9 x falls  
mo/ directly on myself1 ,i ?\ght o!rs   
might af=d = me to tell x4  ,mo/        
directly on myself4 ,!re ,l9coln b>es 8 
he>t to ,god & man1 9 ord] t ^u himself 
might fall ! fir/1 ! deepe/1 & ! mo/    
direct humiliation4 ,at "o ) slaves1    
despis$ by pride1 a/ray f ,god prep>$ = 
sacrifice--b atte/+ /ill t slaves 7 m51 
t robb]y 0 wrong1 t ,god 0 j--s he /&s4 
,b1 be x said aga9 & yet aga91 9 su* a  
po/ure looms nobility4 ,9 meekness su* z
 ?is is no?+ crav54 ,x beseems true     
royalty4 ,b[+ be=e 8 ,god to receive    
rebuke1 b[+ to make confession be=e 8   
fell[m51 he /&s z on a hilltop1 ann\nc+ 
& decl>+ to all ! _w h[ arrogance proves
 m5 base1 h[ l[l9ess may be beautiful1  
h[ rev]5d are ,god's my/]ies1 h[ j &    
pitiful 8 ways4 ,"h is a k+l9ess t no   
cr[n c rightly symbolize4 ,"h is a      

victory t is n won ) swords4 ,9 ! v     
attitude is f9al triumph4 ,x bravely    
claims1 & truly ov]comes ! _w4 ,9 su* a 
pati5ce !re is pres5t in/antly1 & 9 full
 possession1 ! vigor ( undy+ hope1 & !  
title ( a fir/born son to ! h]itage ( ! 
e>?4  ,?is capacity 9 ,l9coln's pati5ce 
= ! close allegiance ( self-devotion &  
self-respect1 ( sympa?y & jeal\sy1 is   
%[n dramatically 9 8 t\rnam5t ) ,d\glas 
9 #aheh4 ,?r\gh\t ^? spee*es1 replies1 &
 rejo9d]s ,l9coln held fa/ 8 full       
frat]nity ) ! slaves1 :ile repress+ ) 8 
fulle/ vigor e onslaught aga9/ 8 p]sonal
 integrity4  ,! date ( ^? debates m>k$  
ov] f\r full ye>s1 s9ce ,d\glas _h      
*ampion$ ?r\gh ,congress into f9i%$     
legislation a bill t abrogat$ all f$]al 
limitation ( slav]y1 & op5$ an          
unre/rict$ possibility ( its fur!r      
spread =ev]1 :]ev] any local int]e/     
might s desire4 ,t bill obta9$ !        
presid5tial signature 9 ,may ( #ahed4   
,dur+ ! succe$+ ye>s ,d\glas _h be5 %ap+
 public s5tim5t by 8 almo/ royal        

influ5ce 9 public spee* t[>ds a /]eotyp$
 acceptance ( ! pr9ciples & implications
 ( t law4 ,"u 8 aggressive lead]%ip 8   
p>ty _h be5 well solidifi$ ^u ?ree      
political po/ulates1 :i* he decl>$      
ess5tial n alone to p>ty fealty1 b to   
any p]man5t national peace4 ,^! ?ree    
po/ulates 7 ! foll[+3--  ,slav]y is 9 no
 s5se wrong4  ,slav]y is to be treat$ z 
a local int]e/ only4  ,^! pr9ciples h   
be5 sanction$ p]fectly by hi/ory4  ,f ^!
 fundam5tal po/ulates fl[$ num]\s       
coroll>ies3--  ,black m5 are an inf]ior 
race4 ,?is inf]iority has be5 /amp$ ^u  
?is race indelibly by ,god4 ,!          
,decl>ation ( ,indep5d5ce did n & does n
 include ! blacks 9 its affirmations    
ab\t equality4  ,?is c\ntry conta9s va/ 
sections precisely fitt$ to be occupi$  
by slav]y4  ,local int]e/s be+          
ess5tially div]se1 z = example betwe5   
,alabama & ,ma9e1 decisions z to local  
affairs w also be div]se4 ,?is entails  
div]g5t treatm5t ( black m51 j z ( h]ds 
& crops4  ,to ! rights ( /rong] races to

 enslave ! blacks1 ! fa!rs :o fram$ our 
gov]nm5t1 our national hi/ory s9ce1 & ! 
age-long fate ( ,africa unit$ly be>     
witness4  ,c\nt] to ^! ?ree major       
po/ulates ( ,d\glas1 ,l9coln set !      
foll[+ ?ree3--  ,! enslavem5t ( m5 is   
wrong4  ,! treatm5t ( slav]y is a f$]al 
conc]n4  ,our hi/ory has conta9$1 & /ill
 conta9s a compromise4 ,our fa!rs deem$ 
slav]y a wrong4 ,b f9d+ x pres5t :5 !y  
fram$ our gov]nm5t1 & f9d+ its removal  
impossible at ! "t1 !y arrang$ = its    
t]ritorial limitation1 = its gradual    
dim9i%m5t1 & = its ultimate t]m9ation4  
,f ^! ?ree fundam5tal po/ulates 9       
,l9coln's argum5ts fl[$ also v>i\s      
coroll>ies3--  ,! s9fulness ( slav]y    
roots 9 ! elem5tal manhood ( ! slave4   
,?is manhood w>rants 8 elem5tal claim to
 ! employm5t & enjoym5t ( 8 life 9      
lib]ty4  ,9 our =m ( gov]nm5t1 ?+s local
 & ?+s f$]al be+ held )9 _! respective  
realms respectively supreme1 ?+s locally
 div]g5t lead to f$]al compromise4      
,c]ta9 sections ( ! c\ntry 9 p>ticul>1 &

 ! ,nation 9 g5]al be+ committ$1 ei!r f 
policy or f *oice1 to fo/] slav]y2 m5 :o
 hate ! ?+ z wrong mu/ 9 pati5t meekness
 endure its pres5ce1 until 9 ,god's own 
"t its pres5ce & its s9 & guilt %all be 
remov$4  ,z w be se5 at once1 = !       
purposes ( a popul> debate1 ! po/ulates 
( ,d\glas 7 easi] to def5d4 ,( ! two    
sets ( premises1 8 seem$ ! m simple1 m  
explicit1 m direct1 m tell+ ) a cr[d2   
:ile ^? ( ,l9coln1 by reason ( t moral &
 hi/orical compromise1 seem$ m confus$1 
m evasive1 & n s apt to take !          
multitude4 ,9 ! nature ( ! debate       
,l9coln _h to %ape 8 propositions &     
replies to face two ways3--t[>ds !      
practical em]g5cies ( our hi/ory & =m ( 
gov]nm5t1 on ! "o h&2 & on ! o!r h&1    
t[>ds an ideal n[h]e yet atta9$1 &      
seem+ly unatta9able4 ,:]eas ,d\glas1 q  
unconc]n$ ab\t any ideal motives 9 !    
pa/1 z ( any vision ( an ideal day to   
come1 b deal+ solely ) ! political      
situation t day occurr5t1 c\ld make e   
affirmation & e ?ru/ aga9/ 8 adv]s>y    

seem /raight1 & cle>1 & impossible to   
refute4 ,?is v practical & sub/antial   
disadvantage ,l9coln _h to be>4         
,que/ions t ,d\glas w\ld answ]          
decisively1 & in/antly1 & ) absolute    
di/9ctness1 ,l9coln w\ld be compell$ to 
labor )1 9 c>eful def]5ce bo? to our    
,con/itutional protection ( slav]y1 & to
 its moral wrong4  ,?is situation 9 ^?  
debates des]ves a close att5tion4 ,!    
diff]5ce 9 ! two positions 0 mo/ pr(\nd4
 ,t ?is deep diff]5ce 0 laid fully b>e 0
 ! supreme resultant ( ! debate4 ,x 0   
inde$ a diff]5ce 9 pr9ciples4 ,b /at$   
yet m n>r[ly1 x 0 a diff]5ce 9 no?+ less
 ?an e/imates ( m51 & attitudes t[>ds   
wrong4 ,x 0 n a diff]5ce 9 ab/ract      
!orems4 ,x 0 va/ly m4 ,x 0 a diff]5ce 9 
! p]sonal qualities ( ! two protagoni/s4
 ,to te/ ?is affirmation let any "o     
imag9e ,d\glas produc+ f 8 he>t !       
s5tim5ts1 & arrang+ 9 8 ?\ght ! argum5ts
 ( ,l9coln's la/ inaugural4 ,d\glas     
sadly err$ 9 8 op9ion ( 8 "t4 ,9        
,l9coln1 9 ^? debates1 our gov]nm5t1 our

 hi/ory1 our ideal z a great ,republic  
/ood incorporate4 ,l our noble hi/ory1  
he pati5tly endur$ & bore :at he        
in/9ctively & invet]ately abhorr$4 ,?is 
pa!tic situation1 ?is inv9cible anomaly 
9 our national c>e]1 is pa!tically      
re-enact$ 9 ! fate ( ,l9coln 9 ^!       
debates4  ,?is at bottom1 & ?is at la/  
is :at ^? fla%+ fal*ions & r++ %ields   
decl>e4 ,?is expla9s ! g5esis & ! actual
 c\rse ( ^? pa9ful p]sonalities4 ,& x is
 to /udy ?is t ^! debates h be5         
introduc$4 ,9 ! p]sonal ?ru/s ( ^?      
debates two qualities 9 ,l9coln become  
pre-em95t4 ,he w\ld n =sake 8 humble    
*ampion%ip ( slaves4 ,he w\ld accept no 
?ru/ aga9/ 8 p]sonal integrity4 ,let ^? 
debates be read1 & re-p]us$ until ^?    
c>d9al elem5ts 9 ,l9coln's attitude come
 cle>4 ,& let x be obs]v$ t 9 no s+le   
p]sonality 0 ,l9coln's ?ru/ initial4    
,d\glas op5$ ! debate4 ,9 8 op5+ spee*  
he made direct ass]tions & indirect     
intimations too gross to be t]m$ subtle1
 & too />+ to be call$ disguis$2 imput+ 

& sugge/+ t ,l9coln 0 9 "* a c[>d & a   
*eat1 9 8 politics a revolution>y1 & 9 8
 social proclivities contemptible4 ,^!  
same *>ges 7 made ) unrel5t+ p]si/5cy & 
reit]ation by ,d\glas ?r\gh\t ! s]ies ( 
! debates4  ,to e imputation ,l9coln    
made def9ite & reit]at$ reply1 d5\nc+ !m
 r\ndly z unw>rant$ & inexcusable       
impea*m5t ( 8 honor1 8 v]acity1 & 8     
c&or4 ,& !n1 ) measur$ & exact          
equival5ce1 he dealt out to ,d\glas's   
face a li/ ( c\nt] p]sonalities ( %>ply 
p>allel & actual transactions 9         
,d\glas's life1 m]it+ precisely 8 own   
reproa*4 ,& he press$ ! battle home s   
h>d t ,d\glas1 9 an impassion$ height ( 
prote/1 dem&$ if ,l9coln meant to c>ry 8
 tactics up to p]sonal difficulty4  ,all
 ?is is pa9ful confess$ly to review4 ,"o
 wi%es e>ne/ly1 j z ) ! lat] civil w>1 x
 might nev] h occurr$4 ,b x %\ld be     
rememb]$ t e retort ( ,l9coln 01 z 9 !  
w> itself1 9 p]sonal def5se4 ,l9coln 0 n
 ! assailant4 ,b once 8 honor 0 assail$1
 x 0 n ! nature ( t honor to /& s mute t

 8 own "* seem$ rightly smir*$1 :ile    
ju/ice re/$ ) 8 adv]s>y4 ,& s1 9        
self-def5se1 z 9 8 spee* at ,qu9cy1 he  
c>efully details1 he vigor\sly return$  
ea* ?ru/4 ,& ?is1 be x con/antly        
recall$1 n 9 any selfi%ness1 n = w\nd$  
pride1 n = unction to a hurt1 n 9 any   
v5geful heat2 b j z 9 ! foll[+ w>1 9    
absolute unselfi%ness1 void ( malice1 9 
! m9i/ry ( *>ity1 t ! honor ( all m5    
might be sav$1 & t ! ,union ) its boon (
 univ]sal fre$om & equality might n p]i%
 f ! e>?4  ,su* 0 ,l9coln's pati5ce1 9  
^? e>li] debates1 & 9 ?is la/ inaugural1
 ! same4 ,:ile be>+ volunt>ily 9 8 s+le 
life all ! opprobrium borne by slaves2  
?r\gh all t fell[%ip & sympa?y1 & on its
 sole behalf1 he gu>d$ 8 own honor ) an 
inf9ite jeal\sy4 ,b x 0 honor sav$ =    
suff]+4 ,8 life 0 sacrificial4 ,he le>n$
 to "k full well1 b will+ly1 :at        
meekness co/s4 ,n alone f a political   
antagoni/ & an embattl$ ,s\?1 b f a     
multitude ( active diss5ti5ts besides   
?r\gh\t ! ,nor?1 f ,congress1 & f !     

close circle ( 8 cab9et he _h to be> )  
bl9d misund]/&+s1 & malignant           
misrepres5tations ( ! de$s & qualities &
 motives ( 8 p]plex$ & ov]burd5$ life4  
,b :atev] 8 %ortcom+s or mi/akes1 :atev]
 8 follies or s9s1 two affirmations ab\t
 8 life w hold =ev] true4 ,he bore 8    
load4 ,& he kept 8 pa?4 ,?r\gh all t /]n
 campaign = lib]ty & union he turn$     
nei!r to ! "r nor to ! left4 ,sorr[s &  
cont5tions surr\nd$ him cont9ually4 ,b  
he descri$ a bett] "t4 ,to spe$ t day he
 welcom$ sacrifice4 ,he liv$ & di$ =    
no?+ else4 ,to %[ ! priceless wor? (    
freem5 9 a mighty multitude1 9 a civic  
league ( la/+ unison & peace 0 8 supreme
 commission & consum+ wi%4 ,to br+ t    
vision ne> he aspir$ & submitt$ to be   
its patt]n & its devotee4   ,,8 ,,rise  
,,f ,,pov]ty--,,! ,,problem ,,(         
,,indu/rialism  ,9 8 fir/ public spee*1 
seek+ election to ! ,/ate ,legislature (
 ,ill9ois 9 #ahcb1 ,l9coln said3 ,i 0   
born1 & h ev] rema9$1 9 ! mo/ humble    
walks ( life4 ,he adds3 ,if ! good p 9  

_! wisdom %all see fit to keep me 9 !   
backgr\nd1 ,i h be5 too famili> )       
disappo9tm5ts to be v mu* *agr9$4 ,9 !  
same spee* he said3 ,i h no o!r         
7ambition7 s great z t ( be+ truly      
e/eem$ ( my fell[-m51 by r5d]+ myself   
wor?y ( _! e/eem4  ,"h are ?ree phrases 
t epitomize ,l9coln's ideals & ,l9coln's
 c>e]3--! mo/ humble walks ( life2 too  
famili> ) disappo9tm5ts2 & r5d]+ myself 
wor?y ( _! e/eem4 ,!re at ! age (       
tw5ty-?ree we are appris$ ( ,l9coln's   
pov]ty1 ( 8 ambition1 & ( 8 adv]sity4 ,9
 ! same address he says3 ,i h no weal?y 
or popul> relatives or fri5ds to        
recomm5d me4 ,at t "t he _h be5 b two   
ye>s 9 ! ,/ate4  ,9 pond]+ ?is brief &  
frank appeal "o wond]s at ! bl5d+ ( !   
y\?ful & ! mature1 ! d>+ & ! w>y1 !     
ard5t & ! *a/5$1 ! eag] & ! s$ate1 !    
wi/ful & ! resign$4 ,:at _h be5 ! inn] &
 ! out] hi/ory & =tune ( him1 :o at !   
age ( tw5ty-?ree c\ld talk ( be+ famili>
 ) disappo9tm5ts--s famili> ) exp]i5ces 
( rev]se t he c\ld be> ! public refusal 

( 8 "o greate/ ambition1 t public's true
 e/eem1 )\t be+ mu* *agr9$4 ,pla9ly 9   
,l9coln's e>ly life !re 0 a great he>t1 
*]i%+ a high hope1 b environ$ ) pov]ty1 
famili> ) rev]sals1 un*ampion$1 unkn[n4 
,already he 0 be+ ref9$ by manifold     
discipl9e4 ,already 9 t ref9+ fire he _h
 fix$ 8 eye & set 8 face to w9 8        
neighbor's true e/eem4 ,!re9 "o         
compreh5ds 8 :ole c>e]4 ,out ( oblivion 
& solitude & dire/ pov]ty he pass$ by   
%e] self-ma/]y to ! highe/ national     
au?ority & r5[n4 ,( all ! di/ance & (   
all ! way betwe5 ^? humble/ walks & t   
comm&+ em95ce1 & ( all ! pregnant mean+ 
to him & to all ,am]icans1 & inde$ to e 
son ( ,adam1 ( t a*ievem5t1 ,l9coln _h a
 m>vel\s disc]n+ s5se4 ,he knew full    
well its va/ significance & he nev] let 
its vivid recollection lapse4 ,x 0      
always 9 8 liv+ consci\sness4  ,"o      
impressive pro( & tok5 t ! mean+ ( 8    
advancem5t _h p]man5t place 9 8         
remembrance1 & t he deem$ 8 =tune an    
ideal & a type ( our ,am]ican gov]nm5t &

 life has be5 pres]v$ 9 ! tone &        
sub/ance ( 8 address 9 ,indep5d5ce      
,hall1 :5 on 8 way to 8 fir/ great      
inauguration4 ,/&+ !re at ! age (       
=ty-"o1 ! ,nation's presid5t-elect1 &   
fill$ ) deep emotion1 he said3 ,i h nev]
 _h a feel+ politically t did n spr+ f !
 s5tim5ts embodi$ 9 ! ,decl>ation (     
,indep5d5ce4 ,& to give t /atem5t       
explanation he said1 ,i h (t5 inquir$ ( 
myself :at great pr9ciple or idea x 0 t 
kept ?is ,conf$]acy s long toge!r4 ,& = 
answ] to t inquiry he po9ts to t s5tim5t
 9 ! ,decl>ation :i* gave lib]ty n alone
 to ! p ( ?is c\ntry1 b hope to all ! _w
 = all future "t4 ,x 0 t :i* gave       
promise t 9 due "t ! weights w\ld be    
lift$ f ! %\ld]s ( all m51 & t all %\ld 
h an equal *ance4 ,lib]ty1 hope1        
promise1 weights lift$1 an equal *ance1 
to all1 = all1 ( all1 all1 9 due "t--^! 
are ! t]ms t answ]$ ! "q ov] :i* he (t5 
pond]$ & (t5 inquir$4 ,?is 0 ! great    
pr9ciple1 ! idea :i* held ! ,conf$]acy  
toge!r4 ,?is 0 ! basis on :i*1 if he    

c\ld save ! c\ntry1 he w\ld be "o ( !   
happie/ m5 9 ! _w1 if he c\ld help to   
save x4 ,?is 0 ! pr9ciple conc]n+ :i* he
 exclaim$3 ,if ?is c\ntry _c be sav$ )\t
 giv+ up t pr9ciple1 ,i 0 ab\t to say t 
,i w\ld r be assass9at$ ^u ?is spot ?an 
surr5d] x--words ^: purport is se5 to be
 no?+ less ?an tragic1 :5 we recall !   
p]il ( dea?1 :i* he 0 consci\sly fac+ 9 
t v h\r f a deep laid conspiracy aga9/ 8
 life4  ,?us spoke ,l9coln )9 t5 days ( 
8 inauguration1 9 a spee* :i* he says 0 
:olly unprep>$4 ,b ! day be=e1 9 a spee*
 at ,tr5ton1 he *>act]iz$ t same idea z 
t some?+ m ?an common :i* away back 9   
*ildhood1 ! e>lie/ days ( 8 be+ able to 
read1 he recollect$ ?9k+1 boy ?\gh ,i 01
 0 ! treasure = :i* ^? m5 /ruggl$4 ,t   
some?+ he !n def9es z ev5 m ?an national
 indep5d5ce2 & z hold+ out a great      
promise to all ! p ( ! _w to all "t to  
come4  ,?is lift+ ( weights f ! %\ld]s (
 m51 ?is equal *ance = all2 ?is 0 !     
lib]ty = :i* ! fa!rs f\ght1 ?is 0 ! hope
 :i* _! ,decl>ation en%r9$1 ?is x 0 ^:  

pres]vation ,l9coln long$ to secure     
above any o!r happ9ess1 ?is x 0 = :i* he
 0 all b ready to die4  ,!re ,l9coln    
spoke 8 he>t4 ,!re he voic$ 8 highe/    
hopes4 ,!re he trac$ 8 patriotism to its
 roots4 ,& !re too he t\*$ ! quick n]ve 
( 8 own disappo9tm5ts1 ( 8 own (t5      
futile endeavors & desires4 ,& !re z    
well 8 liv+ sympa?y ) o!r m51 encumb]$ )
 disadvantage & defeat1 f\nd mighty     
utt]ance4 ,lift+ weights f ! %\ld]s (   
all m5--t 9 due "t ?is %\ld be a*iev$ he
 judg$ & felt to be ! s+le sov]eign     
mean+ ( our national de/9y4  ,( j ?is   
national de/9y ,l9coln's p]sonal life 0 
a /rangely full epitome4 ,8 %\ld]s knew 
full well ! pressure ( ^? weights4 ,8   
s\l knew all ! awful volume ( sorr[ z ( 
joy1 t p\r$ ab\t ! d5ial or ! enjoym5t (
 an equal *ance4 ,f ! humble/ walks to !
 =emo/ seat he _h be5 p]mitt$ to ?read 8
 way4 ,t lib]ty he *iefly s\ght 9       
/ruggl+ y\?4 ,t lib]ty he *iefly priz$ z
 presid5t4 ,& ?is1 n alone = himself1 n 
alone = all ,am]icans1 b = all ! _w4    

,?us spoke ,l9coln1 all unprep>$ 9      
,febru>y ( #ahfa4  ,b ^! spontane\s     
words 7 no pass+ brea? ( transi5t       
s5tim5ts4 ,9 ,july ( t same ye> he s5t  
to ,congress 8 fir/ ,message4 ,t pap] 0 
,l9coln's /udi$ & =mal argum5t1 a       
presid5t's delib]ate ,/ate ,pap]1       
address+ to ,congress 8 responsible     
demon/ration t ! w> 0 a necessity4 ,9 t 
argum5t & demon/ration 8 fundam5tal     
po/ulate 0 a def9ition ( our gov]nm5t4  
,9 t def9ition he affirms its lead+     
object to be to elevate ! condition (   
m5--to lift artificial weights f all    
%\ld]s2 to cle> ! pa?s ( laudable       
pursuit = all1 to af=d all an unfett]$  
/>t1 & a fair *ance 9 ! race ( life4 ,& 
s he calls ! w> a p's conte/4 ,& he     
speaks ( its deep] purport z some?+ t ! 
pla9 p und]/&4 ,& he speaks ( ! loyalty 
( all ! common soldi]s--n "o ( :om 0    
kn[n to h des]t$ 8 flag--z ! patriotic  
in/9ct ( ! pla9 p4  ,^? words ( ,l9coln 
9 ,tr5ton & ,philadelphia1 def9+ ! lead+
 object 9 ! m9ds ( ! f\nd]s ( our       

gov]nm5t 9 ! h\rs ( its bir?-travail1   
def9e 8 own idea & ideal z he approa*$ !
 h\r ( 8 presid5tial oa?4 ,t a national 
gov]nm5t1 ?us b5efic5tly design$ = !    
equal weal ( all1 %\ld be pres]v$       
inviolate & pres]v$ f dissolution 0 8   
supreme desire & 8 supreme resolve4 ,its
 maje/y & its integrity mu/ be held mo/ 
sacr$ & mo/ jeal\sly pres]v$4 ,?is 0 !  
apple ( 8 eye4 ,by ! light ( ?is ideal &
 9 ! pursuit ( ?is allur+1 wi/ful hope  
he /udi$ & judg$ all ! movem5ts ( 8 "t4 
,& 9 ?is1 8 initial message1 he regi/]s 
8 (ficial v]dict ^u ^? surr\nd+         
evolutions & ev5ts4 ,a va/ & ev]-exp&+  
,conf$]acy ( intellig5t & resolute m51  
leagu$ toge!r 9 a ,union ( ,conf$]ate   
,/ates1 & pl$g$ to secure to all m5 )9  
its b\nds a cle> pa?1 an unfett]$ />t1 &
 a fair *ance 9 e laudable pursuit1 0   
judg$ by him a civic und]tak+ too       
preci\sly freight$ ) promise & hope = ! 
welf>e ( ! _w to be ev] disrupt$ &      
de/roy$ by ! disloyalty & ! )drawal (   
any "o or any clu/] ( its con/itu5t     

p>ts4 ,x 0 a ,union z sacr$ & holy z all
 ! wor? & all ! hopes ( m54 ,to sep>ate 
f su* a league 0 a capital disloyalty4  
,to dis9tegrate su* a unison 0 !        
ultimate inhumanity4 ,to /& fa/ =ev] by 
su* a f$]ation 0 a cr[n+ fidelity4 ,to  
pres]ve1 protect & def5d su* a ,union1  
at :atev] co/ ( life or weal?1 & !re9 to
 adv5ture h[ev] sacr$ honor 0 a prim>y &
 a f9al obligation4 ,by its p]petual    
pres]vation unimpair$ 0 secur$ to all   
mank9d ! vision & ! priceless promise ( 
lib]ty & hope4 ,by secession1 defiance1 
& viol5t assault1 t preci\s human       
treasure 0 be+ endang]$ & defil$4 ,h5ce 
8 anxi\s all-consum+ eag]ness z he      
approa*$ 8 om9\s task4 ,h5ce 8 firm     
acceptance ( awful1 inevitable w>4  ,su*
 7 ! m>%al+s ( ,l9coln's ?\ghts &       
s5tim5ts z he approa*$ & und]took 8     
mighty "w--fit prelude 9 ,indep5d5ce    
,hall1 & befitt+ explanation & def5se 9 
! ,halls ( ,congress ( ! mighty rally+ (
 ^? regim5ts ( m5 = ! awful combats ( a 
p's w>4  ,?is 0 ,l9coln's argum5t4 ,t ! 

rights ( life & lib]ty & happ9ess 7     
design$ & decre$ by ! ,mak] ( all to be 
equal = all 0 = him1 z an ,am]ican1 & = 
him z a fell[ & a fri5d ( all1 "u ,god1 
an axiom4 ,& to t firm tru? ! w> 0 b a  
coroll>y4 ,because ! ,union 0 a league (
 freem51 k9dr$ to ,god1 & pe]s among    
!mselves1 b\nd toge!r 9 mutual goodwill 
& = mutual weal1 x mu/ at all haz>ds &  
?r\gh all p]ils & sorr[s be made        
p]petual4 ,n t slav]y %\ld be imm$iately
 remov$1 ?\gh its exi/5ce 9 su* a league
 0 an elem5tal unwor?9ess & affront2 b t
 ! ,union %\ld be =ev] secur$ 0 8       
imm$iate aspiration & resolve4 ,?is once
 a*iev$ & =ev] assur$1 & slav]y ) e o!r 
k9dr$ inequality w\ld 9 due "t be done  
away4  ,?is is ! key & ! core ( 8 r++ & 
irresi/ible retort to ,greeley4 ,?is 0 !
 inspiration ( t immortal appeal at     
,gettysburg1 ! v pl$ge & secret ( its   
excell5ce & immortality--! plea t       
gov]nm5t ( ! p1 by ! p1 = ! p %\ld n    
p]i% f ! e>?4  ,& x 0 def9itively ?is   
axiomatic v]ity t provid$ to 8 deeply   

?\ghtful m9d t deeply philosophic       
int]pretation ( ! div9e int5tion 9 ! w>1
 :i* he s c>efully en%r9$ )9 8 la/      
inaugural4 ,! s9 ( slav]y _h transgress$
 a prim>y law ( ,god4 ,human %\ld]s _h  
be5 heavily lad5 ) artificial weights4  
,bro!r m5 _h be5 d5i$ by fell[-m5 an    
equal />t4 ,! pa?s ( laudable pursuit 7 
n kept equally cle> to all4 ,multitudes 
( m51 by ! inhuman tyranny ( ! /rong ^u 
! weak1 & t f bir? to dea?1 _h be5      
accord$ no fair *ance4 ,m5 _h toil$ =   
c5turies1 & t b5ea? ! la%1 )\t requital4
 ,h5ce ! awful doom & woe ( w>--,god's  
visitation ^u ourselves ( our own (f5se1
 ! wa/+ ( our unholy weal? & ! level+ ( 
our inhuman pride4 ,& all ( ?is 0 be+   
guid$ ?r\gh to its pr$e/9$ & mo/ holy   
end ) ! div9e design t ?r\gh ! awful    
baptism ( blood our national life %\ld  
beg9 anew 9 humble rev]5ce = him ^: j & 
fi]y jeal\sy dem&s t all 8 little ones  
%all %>e ) all ! mightie/ 9 equal       
rights4 ,?us ,l9coln view$ ! w> z ,god's
 av5g+ v9dication ( ! j & graci\s       

pr9ciples t all m5 ev]y:]e are entitl$  
to %>e toge!r equally 9 lib]ty & hope4  
,b ,l9coln felt all ( ?is to be1 n alone
 ! law ( ,god1 b q z truly ! common &   
compell+ affirmation ( ! human he>t4    
,?is way & /yle ( phras+ x f\nd eloqu5t 
annunciation 9 t e>lie/ & unansw]able   
address respect+ slav]y at ,peoria 9    
,octob] ( #ahed1 :]e 7 deeply laid & may
 /ill be se5 ! f\ndations ( all 8 p[] & 
fame4 ,9 t address he said1 ,my fai? 9 !
 proposition1 t ea* man %\ld d precisely
 z he pleases ) all :i* is exclusively 8
 own1 lies at ! f\ndation ( ! s5se (    
ju/ice !re is 9 me4 ,& ^u t f\ndation he
 laid ?is corn]/one ( social & civic    
ord]3 ,no man is good en\gh to gov]n    
ano!r man )\t t o!r man's cons5t4 ,to s 
invade ! lib]ty ( ano!r man is          
despotism4 ,su* invasion is f\nd$ 9 !   
selfi%ness ( man's nature4 ,opposition  
to x is f\nd$ 9 8 s5se ( ju/ice4 ,^!    
pr9ciples are 9 et]nal antagonism4 ,:5  
!y collide1 %ocks & ?roes & convulsions 
mu/ ceaselessly foll[4 ,^! s5tim5ts (   

lib]ty are above repeal4 ,?\gh y repeal 
all pa/ hi/ory1 y _c repeal human       
nature4 ,out ( ! abundance ( man's he>t 
8 m\? w cont9ue to speak4 ,& to         
demon/rate t ?is s5tim5t ( lib]ty1 ?is  
consci\sness t human wor? is sov]eign1  
is a v]ity ( human nature :i* ev5 hold]s
 ( slaves corroborate1 he po9ts to ! ov]
 #djj1jjj free negroes !n 9 ! l&4 ,_!   
pres5ce is pro( t deep 9 all human he>ts
 is a s5se ( human ju/ice & sympa?y     
cont9ually atte/+ t ! poor negro has "s 
natural "r to himself1 & t ^? :o d5y x &
 make m]*&ise ( him des]ve kick+s1      
contempt & dea?4 ,?is irrepealable law (
 ! human he>t 0 a mighty rock (         
confid5ce 9 ,l9coln's social & political
 fai?4 ,all m5 7 made to be free1 &     
entitl$ equally to a happy life2 & ( ?is
 div9e end[m5t all m5 ev]y:]e 7 well    
aw>e4 ,human nature is by its nature !  
bir?place & ! home ( lib]ty & hope4     
,especially s]viceable = ! purposes (   
?is /udy ^u ,indu/rialism is ! section 9
 ,l9coln's ,message to ,congress (      

,decemb]1 #ahfa1 deal+ ) :at he calls   
our popul> in/itutions4 ,) 8 eagle eye  
he disc]ns 9 ! ,s\!rn insurrection an   
approa* ( return+ despotism4 ,! assault 
^u ! ,union 0 prov+ itself1 "u 8 gaze1  
an attack ^u ! fir/ pr9ciples ( popul>  
gov]nm5t--! rights ( ! p4 ,& aga9/ t    
assault he rais$ a w>n+ voice4  ,9 ?is  
w>n+ he treats specifically ! relation (
 labor & capital4 ,9 ?is discussion 8   
motive is s+le & cle>4 ,he detects a    
dang] t s-call$ labor may be assum$ to  
be s insep>ably b\nd up & ind5tur$ )    
capital z to be subject to capital 9 a  
sort ( bondage2 & t1 once labor1 :e!r   
slave or hir$1 is br\ght "u t assum$    
subjection1 t condition is fix$ = life4 
,bo? ( ^! assumptions he assails4 ,labor
 is n a subject /ate2 nor is capital 9  
any s5se its ma/]4 ,!re is no su* ?+ z a
 free man's be+ fix$ = life 9 !         
condition ( a hir$ labor]4 ,s he        
affirms4 ,& !n he argues t labor is     
prior to & indep5d5t ( capital4 ,capital
 is only ! fruit ( labor4 ,labor is !   

sup]ior ( capital1 & des]ves mu* ! high]
 consid]ation4 ,hir$ labor1 & capital t 
hires & labors n--^! d bo? exi/2 & bo? h
 rights4 ,b a l>ge majority belong to   
nei!r class--nei!r "w = o!rs1 nor h o!rs
 work+ = !m4 ,?is is measurably true ev5
 9 ! ,s\!rn ,/ates4 ,:ile 9 ! ,nor!rn   
,/ates a l>ge majority are nei!r hir]s  
nor hir$4 ,& ev5 :]e free labor is      
employ$ = hire1 t condition is n fix$ = 
life4 ,_m indep5d5t m5 ev]y:]e 9 ^!     
,nor!rn ,/ates1 a few ye>s back 9 _!    
lives1 7 hir$ labor]s4 ,! p5niless1 if  
prud5t1 labors = wages a:ile2 saves a   
surplus2 !n labors on 8 own acc\nt2 & at
 l5g? hires ano!r new beg9n] to help    
him4 ,?is is ! j & g5]\s & prosp]\s     
sy/em :i* op5s ! way to all1 gives hope 
to all4 ,"h is a =m ( political p[]2 "h 
is a popul> pr9ciple t und]lies pres5t  
national prosp]ity & /r5g?1 & infolds a 
pl$ge ( its c]ta9 future ab\nd+         
expansion4 ,?us ,l9coln argu$ 9 8       
,annual ,message ( #ahfa4  ,9 8 ,annual 
,message ( #ahfb1 he pursu$ 9 a simil>  

/ra91 a vital & k9dr$ aspect ( ! same   
indu/rial !me4 ,he 0 argu+ ) ,congress 9
 favor ( comp5sat$ emancipation4 ,9 !   
c\rse ( t argum5t1 speak+ ( ! relation (
 fre$ negroes to :ite labor & :ite      
labor]s1 he said3 ,if !re ev] c\ld be a 
prop] "t = m]e cat* argum5ts1 t "t      
surely is n n[4 ,9 "t l ! pres5t1 m5    
%\ld utt] no?+ = :i* !y w\ld n will+ly  
be responsible ?r\gh "t & 9 et]nity4 ,& 
!n1 aft] appeal+ ) utmo/ pati5ce &      
consid]ation & ) ideal p]suasiv5ess to e
 bett] s5tim5t & to e prop] int]e/1 he  
drew t[>ds ! close ( 8 plea ) ^! arre/+1
 prophetic1 almo/ =bod+ words1 words    
ri*ly wor? citation = a second "t3--,!  
occasion is pil$ high ) difficulty1 & we
 mu/ rise ) ! occasion4 ,we mu/         
dis5?rall ourselves1 & !n we %all save  
our c\ntry4 ,we _c escape hi/ory4 ,!    
fi]y trial ?r\gh :i* we pass w light u  
d[n1 9 honor or di%onor1 to ! late/     
g5]ation4 ,we "k h[ to save ! ,union4   
,we--ev5 we "h--hold ! p[] & be> !      
responsibility4 ,9 giv+ fre$om to !     

slave1 we assure fre$om to !            
free--honorable alike 9 :at we give &   
:at we pres]ve4 ,we %all nobly save or  
meanly lose ! la/1 be/ hope ( e>?4 ,!   
way is pla91 peaceful1 g5]\s1 j--a way  
:i*1 if foll[$1 ! _w w =ev] applaud1 &  
,god mu/ =ev] bless4  ,?us ,l9coln      
voic$1 & 9 t]ms t human-k9d w n lightly 
suff] to be =gott51 8 season$ & conv9c$ 
belief ab\t ! pr9ciples t %\ld hold     
dom9ion 9 ! indu/rial realm4 ,!y reveal 
t 9 8 *a/5$ & *a/5+ fai? ,civics &      
,economics are m]g$ =ev] 9 ,e?ics1 & t  
!re9 !y are =ev] at "o4 ,individuals1   
h[ev] l[ly or h[ev] /rong2 p>ties or    
comb9ations ( m5 or weal?1 h[ev] massive
 or h[ev] firm2 gov]nm5ts or nations1   
h[ev] puissant1 ambiti\s or pr\d1 are   
alike end[$ & alike enjo9$ ) sov]eign   
duties & ) sov]eign rights4 ,! negro1   
h[ev] poor1 may n be robb$ or exploit$  
or b\nd by any ma/]1 h[ev] gr&4 ,! soil 
( a neighbor+ gov]nm5t1 h[ev] allur+ its
 promise ( expansion or weal?1 may nev] 
be invad$ or annex$ by =ce ( any        

,nation's arms1 h[ev] exalt$ & humane t 
,nation's pr(essions & aims4 ,if any    
man1 or any ,nation ( m5 be b meag]ly   
end[$1 t humble h]itage is inviolably   
!irs =ev] to enjoy4 ,! p]son ( ,dr$     
,scott & ! soil ( ,mexico are holy      
gr\nd--heav5-appo9t$ sanctu>ies t no    
oppressor or invad] may ev] v5ture to   
pr(ane4 ,if to any nation1 or to any man
 ,god gave b little1 t little let him   
enjoy4 ,slav]y & tyranny are iniquit\s  
economy4 ,take f him t is ne$y is ! rule
 ( ! slavehold] & ! tyrant4 ,give to him
 t is ne$y is ! rule ( ,*ri/ian *>ity4  
,z betwe5 ! /rong & ! weak1 ! ri* & !   
poor1 ! timid & ! bold1 ?is good e>? is 
pl5ty broad en\gh = bo?4  ,"h is inde$  
an et]nal /ruggle4 ,b und]nea? is an    
et]nal pr9ciple4 ,& among ! _m ,nations 
( ! e>? ?is ,am]ican p are br++ to ?is  
pr9ciple 9 ! face ( all ! _w a _w-comm&+
 demon/ration ( its b5ign validity4 ,by 
! sweat ( 8 face %all man eat bread4 ,& 
! fruit ( 8 toil %all man enjoy4  ,s    
w\ld ,l9coln gu>d1 9 ! indu/rial _w1    

aga9/ all exagg]ation & all infr+em5t ( 
human lib]ties & rights1 & ?is q z mu* =
 ! sake ( ! /rong z 9 def5se ( ! weak4  
,tyranny1 9 despoil+ ! weak1 despoils ! 
tyrant too4 ,lib]ty does h>m to none1 b 
br+s ri* boon to all4 ,?us ,l9coln *]i%$
 fre$om4  ,b deep )9 ?is treasur$ lib]ty
 ,l9coln saw ! %9+ jewel ( human hope4  
,& hope ) him 0 ev] neighborly4 ,& ?is  
g5]\s s5tim5t1 exp&+ =ev] 9 8 he>t1 he  
*]i%$1 n m]ely z common civilian1 b z   
presid5t4 ,x 0 :ile at ,c9c9nati1 on 8  
way to 8 inauguration1 t he said1 ,i    
hold t :ile man exi/s x is 8 duty n only
 to improve 8 own condition1 b also to  
assi/ 9 ameliorat+ mank9d4 ,x is n my   
nature1 :5 ,i see p borne d[n by !      
weight ( _! %ackles 444 to make _! life 
m bitt] by heap+ ^u !m great] burd5s2 b 
r w\ld ,i d all 9 my p[] to raise !     
yoke4  ,b true z 0 ,l9coln's view ( our 
national mission1 & cle> & j & g5]\s z 0
 8 own desire1 he saw 9 ! ,nation's pa? 
be=e 8 face a mighty ob/acle4 ,he knew !
 fasc9ation ( prop]ty4 ,& he knew t ?is 

fasc9ation held its malevol5t sway1 ev5 
?\gh t prop]ty 0 ve/$ 9 human life4 ,"h 
0 ! brunt ( all 8 battle4 ,! slaves ( 8 
day _h a ca% value at a mod]ate e/imate 
( #b1jjj1jjj1jjj4 ,he saw t ?is prop]ty 
value _h a va/ influ5ce on ! m9ds ( its 
own]s4 ,& he knew t ?is 0 s v naturally 
t ! same am\nt ( prop]ty w\ld h an equal
 influ5ce 444 if own$ 9 ! ,nor?2 t human
 nature is ! same2 t public op9ion is   
f\nd$ to great ext5t on a prop]ty basis2
 t :at less5s ! value ( prop]ty is      
oppos$2 t :at enhances its value is     
favor$4  ,) ?is prevail+ t5d5cy1 native 
& univ]sal 9 all m5 alike1 he _h to     
deal4 ,inde$ he _h no o!r problem4 ,all 
8 presid5tial difficulties r$uc$ to     
?is3--! univ]sal gre$ ( m5 = ga92 & deep
 )9 ?is inborn gre$1 man's inborn       
selfi%ness4 ,& all 8 all-absorb+ toil & 
?\ght z /atesman & z presid5t 7 to exalt
 9 human e/imation ! values 9 m5 above  
all o!r ga94 ,?is desire lay deep 9 8   
he>t at ! beg9n+ ( 8 /ruggle 9 #ahed4   
,at ! end ( 8 conflict 9 ^? clos+ days (

 8 life 9 #ahfe ?is long+ came =? z pure
 & %9+ gold ?rice ref9$4  ,f ! "t ( 8   
second election 8 ?\ghts mov$ ) an almo/
 unwont$ con/ancy ^u ^! upp] heights4 ,)
 immeasurable satisfaction he brood$ &  
pond]$ ov] ! em]g+ issues ( ! /up5d\s   
/rife4 ,) an almo/ "m's love he consid]$
 & c\nt$ ov] & reckon$ up ^? outcomes ( 
! sacrifice t %\ld wor?ily endure4 ,) a 
vision purg$ ( e =m ( vanity & e =m (   
selfi%ness1 n z a mis]1 b 9 v de$ ) a   
"m's pride & inn] joy1 he recit$ ov] !  
preci\s inv5tory ( ! *a/5$ ,nation's    
weal?4  ,t\*+ evid5ce ( ?is is 9 8      
habitual tone ( spee* :5 address+       
soldi]s return+ f ! field to _! homes4  
,ov] & ov] aga9 he w\ld rem9d ! m5 ( !  
vital pr9ciple at /ake1 alike 9 w> & 9  
peace4 ,t y may all h equal privileges 9
 ! race ( life2 t !re may be an op5     
field & a fair *ance = y\r indu/ry1     
ent]prise1 & intellig5ce--?is is 'our   
bir?right1' our 'ine/imable pe>l4'      
,n[h]e 9 ! _w is pres5t$ a gov]nm5t ( s 
mu* lib]ty & equality4 ,to ! humble/ & !

 poore/ among u are held out ! highe/   
privileges & positions4 ,x is h>d to    
say1 :5 he 0 voic+ 8 satisfaction & 8   
gratitude to ^! return+ regim5ts1 to :i*
 8 words 7 mo/ directly address$1 to !  
soldi] 9 ! uni=m1 or to ! citiz54 ,all  
^? vet]an soldi]s 7 to 8 disc]n+ eyes ! 
preci\s /]l+ units ( ! ,nation's la/+   
weal?4 ,9 _! s]vice z def5d]s ( ! ,union
 !y _h sav$ ! mo/ preci\s human h]itage 
t human hi/ory ev] knew or human hope   
conceiv$4 ,& ( t h]itage & hope !y 7    
!mselves ! expon5t4 ,_! s]vice "u arms &
 _! civilian life 9 com+ days ( peace 7 
"o4 ,& ) a deep & fond solicitude he    
w\ld *>ge !m to %ield & gu>d1 to *ampion
 & def5d ) ballot z ) sword _! de>-b\ght
 lib]ty & "r4 ,^! peaceable preci\s     
fruits ( ! deadly t]rible w> he well    
=esaw & greet$ eag]ly4 ,! v]dict ( !    
ballots 9 8 re-election 9 #ahfd         
proclaim$ af> a ^w ! _w _h nev] he>d    
be=e4 ,x demon/rat$ t a p's gov]nm5t c  
su/a9 a national election 9 ! mid/ ( a  
great civil w>4 ,t v]dict decl>$        

au?oritatively t gov]nm5t by ! p 0 s\nd 
& /rong4 ,& x also %[$ by actual c\nt t 
aft] f\r t]rible ye>s ( w> ! gov]nm5t _h
 m support+ m5 ?an :5 ! w> began4 ,?is  
ab\nd+ victory fill$ & satisfi$ 8 he>t4 
,& 9 ! pres5ce ( t unexampl$ pro( t     
equal lib]ty = all 0 safe )9 !          
gu>dian%ip ( common m51 he exclaim$ ) a 
prophet's vision ( ! liv+ unison ( civic
 & economic weal3--,gold is good 9 its  
place1 b liv+1 brave1 patriotic m5 are  
bett] ?an gold4  ,su* 7 ,l9coln's       
pr9ciples z he def9$ a ,nation's true   
prosp]ity & weal?4 ,a ,nation's /r5g?1 a
 ,nation's honor1 a ,nation's true/     
treasure is 9 h] m54 ,m5 ( fre$om & m5 (
 hope1 m5 intol]ant ( tyranny1 m5       
resolv$ to be wor?y ( !mselves &        
consci\s ( k9%ip ) _! ,mak]1 m5 jeal\s  
equally ( _! own & _! bro!r's lib]ty1 m5
 :o welcome all ! bonds involv$ 9 a     
fri5dly league ( equal duties & equal   
rights1 m5 9 :om ! amelioration ( all is
 a rul+ desire1 ^! are ! *ief & be/     
a*ievem5t 9 ! pr\de/ ,nation's weal?4   

,to und]value m51 pref]r+ any o!r good1 
is to *]i% 9 a ,nation's he>t ! s\rce ( 
its undo+4 ,m to be priz$ ?an f9e/ gold 
is e citiz54 ,h[ev] weak & humble any   
man may be1 8 honor is sacr$ly above    
(f5se4 ,to leave ! burd5 ( ! feeble     
unreliev$1 or to clog ! progress ( ! sl[
 is 9 any ,nation's hi/ory a primal s91 
& is sure to be abundantly rev5g$4 ,=   
su* a s9 no /ore ( weal? has p[] to     
atone4 ,a s9 l t a s9n] himself mu/ be>4
 ,?is is ! c5tral ?\ght ( ! la/         
inaugural4 ,^! 7 ! human s5tim5ts ly+   
und]nea? all ,l9coln's economic fai?4   
,to ^! firm v]ities he held devot$ly1   
:e!r c\nsel+ ! ,nation z its presid5t1  
project+ negro colonies z ! negro's     
fri5d1 or (f]+ to an idl+1 impecuni\s   
bro!r a doll> gratis = e doll> e>n$4    
,m5 are equal2 m5 are free4 ,m5 are     
royal2 m5 are k94 ,m5 are hopeful2 m5   
aspire4 ,m5 are feeble2 m5 h ne$4 ,m5   
may prosp]2 m5 may rise4 ,melioration is
 = all4 ,m5 h duties2 m5 h rights4      
,rights are mutual2 duties b9d4 ,e man  

res5ts (f5se4 ,only despots c (f5d4     
,human tyranny is doom$4 ,v5geance waits
 on e wrong4 ,god is sov]eign1 k9d & j4 
,^! are ,l9coln's s5tim5ts4 ,^! he nobly
 illu/rates4 ,^! are laws :i* he def5ds4
 ,^! are tru?s he v9dicates4  ,^! few   
fundam5tal pr9ciples1 appli$ any:]e 9 ! 
indu/rial field1 w\ld soon & c]ta9ly put
 9 =ce :olesome1 ev]la/+1 all-embrac+   
laws4 ,if1 l ,l9coln himself1 m5 />t 9  
p5ury ) nev] a favor & nev] a fri5d1 !n1
 l him1 !y mu/ hire !mselves to o!r m5 =
 ! go+ wage4 ,b e su* a contract mu/ be 
=ev] subject to a fair & ord]ly recall4 
,! humble/ e>n] ( a daily wage mu/ be   
=ev] free1 free to cont9ue or to )draw4 
,to 8 fre$om & improvem5t1 to 8         
enhe>t5m5t & hope all indu/rial         
regulations mu/ conduce4 ,?is is basic4 
,?is alone is g5]\s & fair4 ,& only "h c
 any gov]nm5t w9 p]man5ce & peace4  ,"h 
are ,l9coln's primal po/ulates 9 social 
economics4 ,moral imp]atives are ov] e  
man4 ,moral fre$om is 9 e brea/4 ,)9 !  
ne!rmo/ f\ndations ( any mortal's %>e 9 

any social fell[%ip mu/ re/ 8 own       
self-wr\ght integrity & self-respect4   
,to make t social fell[%ip 9 any =m     
p]petually secure ea* man mu/ seek ) all
 8 he>t & ) cont9ual will+ sacrifice !  
la/+ welf>e ( e p>ty & ( e "p4 ,t ?is be
 safely gu>ante$ ea* man mu/ le>n to    
e/imate 8 bro!r-man1 n by epaulets &    
co9s1 b by immortal /&>ds1 su* z only   
liv+ p]sons c a*ieve4 ,to make ?is      
social league inv9cible )91 ea* memb] 9 
! fell[%ip mu/ %[ a true humility1      
abjur+ all temptation or desire to be a 
despot or a gr&ee4 ,& ?r\gh x all ?is   
social compact mu/ be *]i%$ & rev]$ z   
orda9$ by a ,god ( pure & sov]eign tru? 
& love4 ,?us by fri5dly m9i/ry1 9       
unpret5d+ hone/y1 9 bro!r-k9dl9ess1 z   
%>+ 9 a common immortality1 "u ! favor &
 9 ! fe> ( ,god1 may fell[m5 9          
multitudes be fell[ citiz5s 9 a civic   
ord] t may hope = p]petual prosp]ity4   
,?is is ! res\nd+ message t ,l9coln's   
life transmut$ into spee* ?r\gh 8 pa!tic
 & inspir+ rise f pov]ty4   ,,8         

,,philosophy--,,! ,,problem ,,(         
,,reality  ,! /udy ( ,l9coln's moral    
v]satility1 exam9$ 9 a =m] *apt]1 rang+ 
z x does ?r\gh all ! measure ( ! moral  
realm1 v]ges all along its bord] on !   
doma9 ( philosophy4 ,l9coln has scant   
famili>ity1 x is true1 ) ! rubrics & !  
problems1 ! !ories & ! me?ods ( !       
s*ools4 ,8 boyhood 0 9 ! wild]ness2     
locu/s & wild honey 7 8 food4 ,su*      
education z he a*iev$ 0 9 pa!tic        
isolation4 ,x 0 a nak$ e>?1 unfurni%$ ) 
any aids or guides1 f :i* 8 homely      
h>d-e>n$ wisdom 0 labori\sly wrung4 ,b 8
 ,mak] d[]$ him ) a m9d attemp]$ to     
defiance ( e difficulty4 ,&1 h[ev] /]n !
 face ( 8 life's =tune might become1 8  
/]n] w & dilig5ce f\nd 9 h] solitudes h]
 *oice/ treasures4 ,to m9ds t nimbly    
trav]se _m books1 ?9k+ to h ga9$ !      
sub/ance ( great tru?s1 :5 !y h only    
ga9$ va9 =ms1 ?is may seem to be        
impossible4 ,b ,l9coln's m9d _h trav]s$ 
sev]e/ discipl9e4 ,he f\nd r>e sub/ance 
( intellectual weal?4 ,& he knew its    

solid wor?4 ,( ?is1 z has be5 %[n1 8    
fir/ inaugural yields %9+ pro(4 ,almo/ e
 s5t5ce is z ! oracle ( a sage4  ,b 8   
second inaugural1 too1 is a gem (       
wisdom1 cle> & pure1 fit ornam5t = any  
man to we> 9 any place :]e wise/ m5     
conv5e4 ,let ke5e/ eyes exam9e n>r[ly ! 
aspiration ) :i* ?is second inaugural   
concludes4 ,!re %9es a wi% z bright z   
any human hope t ev] %one 9 human       
brea/--a wi% t all ! e>? might ga9 to j 
& la/+ peace4 ,t ye>n+ plea 0 voic$ ^u !
 v brea? t spoke ( ! battles & w\nds1 ! 
dead & ! b]eft1 ( a mighty ,nation 9    
fratricidal w>4 ,! peace he s\ght = )9  
all ! l&1 & ?r\gh all ! e>?1 0 to be !  
national consummation ( a conflict 9 :i*
 multitudes ( m5 & millions ( treasure  
_h be5 (f]$ up "u ,god 9 ! "n ( *>ity & 
"r4 ,su* 0 ! word+ & ! sett+ ( ?is wi%4 
,compreh5d its gir?4 ,x encircl$ all !  
e>?4 ,?is _c be said to be no?+ b !     
ill-consid]$ aspiration ( an inexp]i5c$ 
und]l+4 ,x is ! pray] ( "o :o = f\r     
t]rific ye>s _h held ! *ief position 9  

conduct+ ! executive affairs ( "o ( !   
major empires ( ! _w4 ,dur+ all t "t1   
among ! bewild]+ & imp]i\s problems ( an
 era ( unexampl$ civil convulsion1 h>dly
 any complications _h be5 m ob/9ate or m
 di/urb+ ?an ^? b\nd up 9 ! relation ( !
 ,unit$ ,/ates to ! o!r major ,nations (
 ! _w4 ,)9 ^? int]national complications
 7 infold$ problems & pr9ciples z       
pr(\ndly fundam5tal z any )9 any        
,nation's s+le life1 or )9 all ! rea* ( 
int]national law4 ,9 su* a situation &  
out ( su* a c>e] ,l9coln culm9ates !    
decl>ation ( 8 policy = a second        
presid5tial t]m ) an invocation ( j &   
la/+ peace among ourselves & ) all      
,nations4  ,aga9 let x be said1 & be x n
 =gott51 t x is f ! lips ( ,l9coln t ?is
 appeal asc5ds4 ,he is n a novice4 ,he  
is a season$ vet]an4 ,com+ f t he>t1 &  
spok5 9 t h\r1 ^? words _c be lightly   
flung aside4 ,!y are ! long+ ( a man :o1
 ?r\gh almo/ unp>allel$ discipl9e1 has  
atta9$ an almo/ pe]less sobriety1       
s9c]ity1 & cle>-sight$ness4 ,too hone/  

to utt] holl[ words1 too delib]ate to   
accept an ill-judg$ phrase1 too disc]n+ 
to recomm5d a futile & unlikely         
proposition1 & sob]$ f> beyond any p[]  
or incl9ation to play ! hypocrite1 we   
mu/ conc$e t ,l9coln meant & measur$ :at
 he said4 ,9 simple fairness1 & 9 all   
sobriety1 we mu/ all[ t ,l9coln und]/ood
 t ! pr9ciples :i* guid$ him z national 
*ief magi/rate1 & ! goal t[>ds :i* he 0 
driv+ ev]y?+ 9 8 conduct ( ! w>1 conta9$
 all ne$$ light & p[] = w9n+ all ! _w to
 p]petual h>mony4 ,?is is no?+ less ?an 
to all[ 9 ,l9coln's de$s & words ! sweep
 & insight ( a philosoph]4 ,& x is b    
simple ju/ice1 ?\gh ( va/ significance1 
to app5d j "h t x 0 9 ! (fice & p]son ( 
,john ,hay1 ,l9coln's private secret>y1 
:5 lat] he 0 our ,secret>y ( ,/ate1 t   
!re dawn$ & bright5$ ! new era 9        
int]national diplomacy1 n[ 9 our day s  
widely inaugurat$1 & s well advanc$4 ,x 
c be truly add$ t 9 ?is va/ ar5a1 :]e   
mighty ,nations are ! actors1 & 9 v fact
 all ! _w is ! /age1 ^? c>d9al moral    

traits ( ,l9coln1 & 8 transp>5t & comm&+
 p]sonality1 s /eadfa/ & vivid & g5tle &
 meek1 h no ne$ to borr[ f o!r & anci5t 
!ories & illu/rations ( _w-wide         
/atesman%ip ei!r light or p[]4 ,t ea*   
individual reta9 unsmir*$ & undim9i%$ 8 
pri/9e self-respect z ! corn]/one ( all 
reliability1 8 neighborly k9dness z !   
prime condition ( all true comity1 8    
*ild-l def]5ce t[>ds ,god z ! basis (   
all g5u9e dignity1 & 8 rat+ ( human s\ls
 above all p]i%able goods z ! absolute &
 ess5tial f\ndation ( any p]petuity1 =ms
 a programme z elem5tal & imp]ial among 
mightie/ ,nations1 z among humble/      
neighborhoods ( m54 ,l9coln's ob$i5t    
recognition ( ! ,almighty's purposes 9  
ov]-rul+ national affairs1 8 k+-l       
resolution to hold loyally by 8 innate  
s5se ( equity1 8 eag]ness = ! elevation 
( all ! oppress$1 8 in/9ctive aspiration
 9 8 civic life = f\ndations t _c fail1 
& 8 uncompla9+ fell[%ip ) ! p5al sorr[s 
( 8 err+ fell[ citiz5s1--all appreh5d$ &
 def5d$ & adh]$ to ) su* a lucid m9d &  

/eadfa/ w & prophetic hope ^u ! op5     
plat=m ( our ,am]ican ,republic--propose
 bo? 9 active practice & 9 reason$ !ory 
a patt]n ( /atesman%ip1 capable (       
compreh5d+ ! political conditions1 &    
direct+ ! diplomacy ( all ! gov]nm5ts ( 
! _w4 ,"h are ! primal conditions &     
con/itu5ts ( int]national amity4        
,agreem5ts con/ruct$ & def5d$ !reupon   
among ! ,nations c\ld n fail to be fair4
 ,!y w\ld surely endure4 ,& z ! c5turies
 pass$1 ! fai? ( ,l9coln 9 a ,rul] (    
,nations1 j1 b5ign1 et]nal1 supreme1    
w\ld ab\nd+ly increase4  ,b once aga9 x 
mu/ be said t ^! are n ! !mes1 nor ?is !
 flight ( an untra9$ imag9ation4 ,!     
peace among all ,nations t[>ds :i*      
,l9coln's hope appeal$1 0 be+ patt]n$ ^u
 a j & la/+ a*ievem5t among ourselves4  
,& among ourselves ! gov]nm5t 0 be+ tri$
 9 ! burn+1 fi]y furnace ( a civil w>4  
,x 0 be+ prov$ 9 flames :at factors 9 a 
national civic ord] 7 p]man5t1 & fair1 &
 approv$ ( ,god4 ,x 0 out ( deep        
affliction & unsp>+ discipl9e1 rebuk+   

all our s9s1 humbl+ all our vanity1     
purg+ all our hopes1 & cem5t+ among     
ourselves a j & la/+ bro!rhood1 t       
,l9coln f\nd ! he>t to hope = p]petual  
frat]nity ?r\gh all ! _w4 ,)9 8 wi%     
deep-wr\ght1 h>d-e>n$1 cle>-ey$ wisdom 0
 cry/alliz$4 ,x 0 an imp]ial            
proposition1 mom5t\s1 compreh5sive1     
pr(\nd4 ,x embodi$ no?+ less ?an a      
political philosophy4  ,b ^! ass]tions  
dem& a clos] scrut9y4 ,does ,l9coln's   
?\ght1 9 scope & mode1 des]ve 9 any s5se
 to be entitl$ a philosophy8 ,9         
sob]ness1 is any su* pret5sion ju/ifi$8 
,are ,l9coln's pr9ciples s radical1 s   
compreh5sive1 s well-ord]$1 z to des]ve 
a title s supreme8  ,all turns on truly 
und]/&+ ,l9coln's appreh5sion ( reality4
 ,l9coln's _w 0 a society ( p]sons4     
,god1 himself1 8 fell[man engross$ 8    
?\ght & int]e/4 ,among all p]sons1 z se5
 & kn[n by him1 !re 0 a full aff9ity4   
,all m5 7 equal1 & all 7 k9dr$ to !     
great ,god4 ,?is 0 ! />t+ po9t1 ?is !   
circuit1 & ?is ! goal ( all 8 consci\s  

?\ght & toil4 ,?is 0 8 _w4 ,to p5etrate 
its nature 0 to h&le elem5ts4 ,to grasp 
^? elem5ts 0 to be inclusive4 ,& to     
compreh5d _! native correlation 0 to    
ma/] fundam5tal wisdom4  ,"h ,l9coln %[s
 8 m5tal /r5g?4 ,among all ^! elem5ts he
 trac$ a fundam5tal simil>ity4 ,a common
 patt]n embrac$ !m all4 ,! highe/ & !   
l[e/ 7 ess5tially alike4 ,all 7 d[]$ )  
k9dr$ capacities = nobility4 ,he nev]   
suff]$ himself or any ( 8 fell[m5 to    
=get 8 own elevation f l[lie/ ignorance 
& pov]ty to ! presid5cy4 ,h[ev] humble1 
all c\ld rise4 ,h[ev] ignorant1 all c\ld
 le>n4 ,h[ev] unbefri5d$1 all des]v$    
reg>d4 ,life & lib]ty & happ9ess 7 a    
common boon1 an ev51 univ]sal "r4 ,=    
fell[%ip ) ,god1 ev5 :5 buffet$ b5ea?   
div9e rebukes1 all might hope4 ,!       
ultimate1 op5 possibility ( su* div9e   
companion%ip is %[n 9 ?is la/ inaugural1
 :]e ,l9coln's ke5 disc]nm5t avails to  
compreh5d1 t ev5 s9n+ m5 may1 ?r\gh     
p5it5t acceptance ( heav5's rebukes1 w9 
heav5's favor & walk ) ,god4 ,?us       

,l9coln le>n$ & knew t among all m51 &  
betwe5 all m5 & ,god !re 0 a fundam5tal 
gr\nd ( imp]i%able affiance4 ,"h lies ! 
f\ndation ( 8 philosophy4  ,& ?is       
affiance 0 9 its be+ moral4 ,) him !    
real 0 e?ical4 ,pure equity 0 ! primal  
v]ity4 ,by "* 7 all ?+s judg$4 ,politics
 & e?ics 7 id5tical4 ,9 ! ?\ght (       
,l9coln ! qualities con/itut+ our       
,am]ican ,union1 ! qualities t def9$ &  
conta9$ its v be+1 ! qualities t made x 
a civic entity1 secur+ to x its coh]5ce 
& p]petuity1 ! qualities gu>antee+ t x  
%\ld n dissolve & disappe> 9 ! fate &   
wreck ( all decay+ ?+s1 ! qualities t   
made x wor? ! fai?ful c>e ( ,god & !    
lov+ loyalty ( m51 7 id5tical ) !       
qualities con/itut+ himself a free1     
responsible s\l4 ,! same humble rev]5ce1
 ! same mutual goodwill1 ! same reg>d = 
durability1 ! same jeal\sy = integrity z
 in=m$ 8 p]sonal consci5ce & inspir$ 8  
p]sonal w1 %\ld =m ! law & det]m9e !    
de$s ( ! ,nation z well1 if ! ,nation 0 
ev] to h 9 its civic be+ a dignity wor?y

 to survive4 ,"h is a /&>d con=mable at 
once ) ! measure ( ?+s 9 heav51 !       
measure ( a ,nation1 & ! measure ( e    
man4  ,su* is ! scope ( ?is inaugural4  
,9 p5n+ t grave p>agraph t\*+ unrequit$ 
toil1 ,l9coln _h 8 eye alike ^u !       
individual slave1 ^u ! ,nation z a :ole1
 ^u long c5turies1 & ^u ! ways ( ,god4  
,x may be said ) equal tru? t he 0      
pond]+ ! s9 & hurt ( a s+le act ( fraud1
 ! vital /ructure ( organic civic life1 
! cont9ual t5ure ( "r & guilt ?r\gh     
lives & times t seem div]se1 & ! unison 
( moral e/imates t hold ) ,god & m5     
alike =ev]4 ,?is may n be d5i$4 ,! s9   
inflict$ 9 a s+le wrong1 l t ( slav]y1  
may implicate a ,nation 9 a guilt t1 "u 
! imp>tial & upright rule ( ,god1 !     
c5turies _c oblit]ate4 ,inhuman scorn1  
%ort-sight$ gre$1 disloyalty & cruelty1 
h[ev] disguis$1 or h[ev] upheld1 entail 
a doom too c]ta9 & too sov]eign = !     
c5turies to unduly def]1 or = any nation
 to ev] annul4  ,"h are pr9ciples       
und5iably4 ,& z und5iably ^! pr9ciples  

are supreme4 ,a j ,god is ov] all4 ,to 8
 high purposes all ?+s1 ev5 ! mo/       
p]v]se1 mu/ ev5tually con=m4 ,to 8 "r   
rule ev5 unrighte\s m5 mu/ b5d4 ,into   
intellig5t h>mony ) 8 w all upright m5  
may come1 f9d+ 9 l[ly ackn[l$gm5t ( 8   
great maje/y _! true dignity1 9 loyalty 
to 8 pure righte\sness _! own complete  
integrity1 9 imitation ( 8 univ]sal     
b5ignity _! p]fect mutual fri5dl9ess1 & 
9 a vision ( 8 et]nal purity _!         
assurance ( p]sonal & civic p]petuity4  
,?us 9 ! mid/ ( all be+1 & 9 ! consci\s 
pres5ce ( ,him 9 :om all be+ f9ds its   
s\rce1 our p]sonal1 human be+ f9ds its  
transc5d5t dignity & cr[n4 ,liv+ ?us1 & 
liv+ ?us toge!r1 m5 f9d life inde$4 ,?us
 all1 end[$ alike ) ! common sanctity ( 
life1 enjoy+ equally ! common "r to     
lib]ty1 %>e equally a common boon (     
happ9ess4 ,?us ea* man alone & ?us !    
civic ord] z a :ole may survive & fl\ri%
 "u ,god 9 j & la/+ peace4  ,?is1 9     
,l9coln's ?\ght1 0 f9al1 compreh5sive   
tru?4 ,tak5 9 all its f\rsqu>e amplitude

 & unison1 !re 0 no?+ human x did n     
avail to fitly arrange & fully          
circumscribe4 ,:e!r = man alone or = m5 
9 leagues1 :e!r = ,/ates supreme or =   
,/ates conf$]ate1 x provid$ e ne$ful    
guide & bond4 ,z = ! int]national ar5a1 
s = e less] realm ( social life1 !      
pr9ciples en%r9$ 9 ?is inaugural are    
civic wisdom cry/alliz$4 ,!y pr(f] to   
our human social life no?+ less ?an a   
philosophy4  ,?is is ! wisdom lit]ally  
inscrib$ ^u ! tablet ( ?is la/          
inaugural4 ,to unveil its face be=e an  
ev] he$ful & ev] m att5tive _w is be+   
f\nd a sov]eign function ( succe$+ "t4  
,m5 are ev] le>n+1 b h ev] yet to le>n  
:at ,l9coln 04 ,despite 8 fame1 8 prop] 
glory has be5 veil$4 ,8 features h be5  
%ad[$1 almo/ smir*$4 ,8 reputation has  
be5 ov]laid ) rum\rs & reports (        
excessive pleasure 9 ribald1 rollick+   
h\rs 9 wayside inns4 ,b 9 8 v laught]   
!re 7 deep h9ts ( measur$ sob]ness4     
,season$ wisdom flavor$ all 8 wit4 ,8 v 
folly 0 pr(\nd4 ,b :5 8 mood ( frolic   

pass$1 :51 & almo/ )\t any inn] *ange1 8
 out] mi5 grew s]i\s1 & sadness brood$  
on 8 face1 !n 8 spee* 0 f$ f ne!r spr+s4
 ,!n 8 lips 7 freight$ f af>1 & 8 spee* 
0 ri* ) preci\s lore4  ,9 8 inmo/ in/9ct
 ,l9coln 0 a philosoph]4 ,out ( life's  
complexities he 0 always se>*+ = its    
clue4 ,8 spee*es deal at bottom ) no?+ b
 details4 ,b out ( ! me% ( ^? details he
 0 always weav+ pr9ciples4 ,x is ?is t  
gives 8 words _! weight4 ,he is by 8 own
 "r a true philosoph]4 ,x 0 true wisdom 
) :i* he dealt4 ,) true wisdom he 0 9   
love4 ,9 8 own "* he has g>n]$ all 8    
ga9s4 ,by self-ref9em5t he has become a 
,nation's patt]n4 ,9 himself are        
treasur$ all ! honors1 dignities1 &     
rew>ds t app]ta9 to a wor?y devotee (   
wisdom4 ,assur$ly1 & beyond all fair    
dispute1 ! au?or ( ?is la/ inaugural1 :5
 fairly measur$ & e/eem$ = :at he 01 &  
:at he did1 & :at he ov]came 9 civic    
realms by %e] orig9al rese>*1 f> m ?an  
any ,dr4 ,fau/1 des]ves 8 doctorate &   
degree4 ,9 sob] v]ity ! au?or ( ?is     

inaugural is a true ,doctor (           
,philosophy4   ,,8 ,,!odicy--,,!        
,,problem ,,( ,,evil  ,! la/ prec$+     
*apt] clos$ ) an allusion to ,dr4 ,fau/4
 ,t ref]5ce may n[ be pr(itably resum$4 
,goe!'s ,fau/ is introduc$ z 9 deep     
uneas9ess be=e ! unsolv$ my/]ies ( life4
 ,he is describ$ z hav+ ma/]$ all t all 
! ,faculties c give1 b all to no sure   
end1 & z be+ !n beguil$ into o!r pa?s & 
sc5es1 !re to prosecute afre% 8 que/ =  
pres5t satisfaction4 ,9 ?is new que/ he 
accepts ! guidance ( a scorn] into      
realms ( magic1 sorc]y1 & wit*craft2    
into sc5es ( ribaldry1 debau*]y1 & base/
 sordidness2 into lu/1 murd]1 & trea*]\s
 unfai?fulness2 into a devili% trade =  
pres5t c>nal happ9ess1 at co/ ( fre$om1 
reason1 & any he$ = future de/9y4  ,"o  
notable feature 9 all ?is que/ is its   
subm]g5ce 9 ! sea ( ?+s t surge up ar\nd
 ! pass+ life1 only to pass away        
!mselves & disappe>4 ,8 riddles & 8     
que/s1 8 ideals & delights are l>gely   
physical4 ,8 guide does n conduct him   

into ! /eadfa/ pres5ce & obs]vation (   
?+s p]man5t & spiritual4 ,he is prone to
 make him roam 9 realms ( magic1 :]e =ms
 & de$s are too ?9 & vague to be ev5    
%ad[s1 & too false to be ev5 artificial1
 b :]e yet ea* sc5e excites ! imag9ation
 to p]i%+ desires = joys ( s5se4 ,c>nal 
potions1 *>ms1 & lu/2 physical tumults &
 delights s l>gely occupy ! c5tral place
 9 all ! sc5es1 t ! riddles ,fau/ w\ld  
fa9 resolve are1 to a l>ge degree1 !    
my/]ies ( ! univ]se ( s5se4  ,n[ let any
 man comp>e ! major problems 9 ! m9d (  
,goe!'s ,fau/ ) ! problems t ,l9coln    
felt to be supreme4 ,"o discov]s        
in/antly a va/ div]g5ce4 ,!mes &        
que/ions1 t to ! v end ( ,goe!'s life   
p]plex$ & vex$ 8 ?\ght1 7 9 ,l9coln's   
writ+s n s mu* z nam$4  ,b f> beyond all
 ?is4 ,! va/1 unwieldly _w ( solid s5se1
 s baffl+1 b s sure1 n[ s t]rible1 & n[ 
s k9d1 n[ s]v+1 & n[ cru%+ boa/ful1     
trembl+ man1 n[ begett+1 & n[ absorb+   
endless1 c\ntless g5]ations &           
multitudes1 seems n to con/itute a vex+ 

or p]plex+ !me 9 ,l9coln's mo/ insi/5t  
?\ght4 ,?is c nev] be expla9$ z due to a
 pa9less1 c>e-free1 e>?ly lot2 nor to a 
pamp]+ environm5t2 nor to physical      
/olidity2 nor to incapacity = ae/hetic  
joys4 ,! l9es t seam$ 8 face1 ! muscles 
t lea%$ 8 frame1 ! /ructure ( 8 h&s1 !  
mean+ message ^u 8 lips1 8 %ad[$1 sob]$1
 brood+ eyes atte/ a diff]5t tale4      
,l9coln 0 suffici5tly aw>e ( ! pla9 &   
common sorr[s incid5t to our e>?ly      
environm5t4 ,he knew :at havoc cold &   
heat1 hung] & pa91 toil & want1 plague &
 dea? c\ld visit ^u our human life4 ,b  
none ( ^! ?+s seem$ to tr\ble him4 ,s   
engross$ 0 he ) que/ions he call$       
durable1 t all physical discom=ts &     
di/resses1 ) _! connect$ pleasures &    
desires & hopes & fe>s1 7 b pass+1 m9or 
incid5ts4  ,?is und\bt$ fact 9 ,l9coln's
 m5tal habitude is a signal &           
significant factor1 to be held 9 c>eful 
e/imation 9 a f9al judgm5t ( ,l9coln's  
"*4 ,e?ics1 pure e?ics1 !mes t dealt )  
realms :]e man is truly responsible &   

truly free1 7 8 supreme conc]n f fir/ to
 la/4 ,& s x comes to pass t ! problem1 
:i* = him is truly fundam5tal &         
ultimate1 passes :olly by at once all t 
burd5 ( s-call$ evil1 9 ! fe> & hurt &  
my/]y ( ?+s inflexible1 & cl+s fa/ hold 
( ?+s alone t are responsible & free4   
,t\*+ ! !me ( ?is *apt]1 & t\*+ also ?is
 la/ inaugural1 ! foll[+ lett]1 writt5  
,m>* #ae1 #ahfe1 to ,?url[ ,we$1 already
 cit$ & consid]$ once1 des]ves a bit (  
he$ aga93--       ,e "o likes a         
complim5t4 ,?ank y = y\rs on my little  
notification spee* & on ! rec5t         
inaugural address4 ,i      expect !     
latt] to we> z well z--p]haps bett]     
?an--any?+ ,i h produc$2 b ,i believe x 
is n      imm$iately popul>4 ,m5 are n  
flatt]$ by be+ %[n t      !re is a      
diff]5ce ( purpose betwe5 ! ,almighty & 
!m4      ,to d5y x h[ev]1 9 ?is case1 is
 to d5y t !re is a      ,god gov]n+ !   
_w4 ,x is a tru? :i* ,i ?\ght ne$$      
to be told1 &1 z :atev] ( humiliation   
!re is 9 x      falls mo/ directly on   

myself1 ,i ?\ght o!rs might af=d      = 
me to tell x4                           
,truly y\rs1                            
,a4 ,,l9coln4  ,?is lett] %[s :at       
,l9coln judg$ to be ! secret ( ?is      
inaugural's p]man5t hold on human       
approbation4 ,x 0 its humble te/imony to
 ! fact t1 amid/ & above ! errors & s9s1
 ! /ruggles & failures ( m5 & ,nations1 
!re is a _w-gov]n+ ,god4 ,"h op5s a !me 
t is truly sov]eign & ultimate4  ,! la/ 
inaugural reveals t ,l9coln 0 closely   
pond]+ two incongru\s !mes3 ! bitt] c>e]
 ( slav]y2 & ! j rule ( ,god4  ,t\*+ !  
fir/--! fact ( human slav]y--:atev] o!r 
m5 might ?9k1 9 ,l9coln's view x 0      
always abhorr5t1 a prim>y immorality4   
,he 0 naturally anti-slav]y4 ,ev5 9 ?is 
address1 gu>d$ aga9/ all malice1 &      
suffus$ ) *>ity1 he c\ld n =be> f       
say+3--,x may seem /range t any m5 %\ld 
d>e to seek a j ,god's assi/ance 9 wr++ 
_! bread f o!r m5's faces4 ,man's "r to 
live 0 9 8 ?\ght primal4 ,t "r c>ri$ ) x
 ! "r to enjoy ! bread t 8 own h&s _h   

e>n$4 ,su* a privilege 0 ! c5tral elem5t
 9 human happ9ess4 ,su* felicity 0      
elem5tal4 ,su* fre$om & su* joy 7 !     
simple/ common boon 9 our common1 e>?ly 
lot4  ,! in/itution ( slav]y bla/$ t    
joy1 d5i$ t lib]ty1 robb$ t "r to life4 
,?is annihilat$ hope4 ,x rank$ m5 )     
brutes4 ,su* a ravag+ ( human desires & 
human rights ,l9coln judg$1 f ! side ( !
 slave-hold]1 a p>am\nt crime2 & f !    
side ( ! slave1 an insuff]able curse4 ,!
 t]rible enormity ( bo? crime & curse 0 
measur$ 9 ,l9coln's e/imation by !      
enormity ( ! w>4 ,view$ any way1 t w> 0 
! indication & regi/] ( ! wrong done1 & 
! wrong borne1 by m5 9 ! c5turies (     
slav]y4 ,arrogance & insol5ce1          
ru?lessness & cruelty1 di%one/y &       
fai?lessness1 luxury & lu/1 trail$ all  
along its pa?4 ,t1 9 a ,republic d$icat$
 to lib]ty1 m5 w\ld g to w> & fight to !
 dea? ) _! fell[-citiz5s 9 def5se &     
p]petuation ( tyranny & bonds1 gave     
evid5ce to ! /range & obdurate p]v]s5ess
 involv$ & nurtur$ 9 ! mood & attitude (

 m5 t 7 b5t on hold+ fell[ m5 z slaves4 
,! exi/5ce ( su* an in/itution 9 any l& 
,l9coln deem$ a national calamity2 9 a  
free ,republic he felt x to be a        
heav5-brav+ anomaly & affront4 ,x 0 a   
flagrant evil1 b\nd to br+ d[n woe4  ,b 
9 ! deep entanglem5ts ( hi/ory ?is      
baleful in/itution _h to be condon$1 ev5
 9 ?is l& made sacr$ to ! free4 ,inbr$  
)9 ! ,nation 9 ! ,nation's v bir?1 t x  
be %elt]$ )9 ! ,nation's life became a  
national responsibility4 ,f ?is firm    
bond ,l9coln himself c\ld n escape4 ,9 !
 ,con/itution t ,l9coln swore to uphold1
 :5 fir/ he took ! presid5cy1 slav]y 0  
%elt]$1 if n entr5*$4 ,z *ief magi/rate 
( ! :ole ,republic1 h[ev] obnoxi\s      
slav]y might be1 he _h ! obnoxi\s ?+ to 
protect4 ,?is he freely admitt$1 &      
explicitly decl>$ 9 8 fir/ inaugural4   
,"h 0 ! beg9n+ ( 8 f9al1 moral debate4  
,h[ %\ld he morally ju/ify himself 9    
def5d+ :at he morally abhorr$8 ,t ?is   
dual attitude %\ld be assum$ he seem$   
fully to conc$e4 ,?is %[s mo/ cle>ly1 & 

9 its %>pe/ moral contradiction1 :51 9 8
 fir/ inaugural1 he volunte]$ to p]mit  
an am5dm5t to ! ,con/itution1 enact+1 z 
! supreme law ( ! l&1 t slav]y %\ld     
rema9 !reaft] undi/urb$ =ev]4 ,h[ he    
br\ght 8 m9d to take t /& has nev] be5  
made cle>4 ,he said 9 t connection t su*
 an am5dm5t 0 9 effect already          
,con/itutional law4 ,b previ\s to t date
 he _h always pl$g$ & urg$ =be>ance )   
slav]y1 on ! und]/&+ t su* =be>ance 0   
only = a "t2 t1 z =ese5 & design$ by !  
m5 :o fram$ ! ,con/itution1 slave hold+ 
0 always to be s h&l$1 z to be always on
 ! way to disappe>4 ,x is n easy to see 
h[ a man1 to :om ! practice ( hold+     
slaves 0 s morally repell5t1 c\ld       
p>ticipate 9 mak+ x p]petual4 ,"o c\ld  
wi% t j ?is problem _h be5 frankly h&l$ 
"u ,l9coln's p54 ,x mu/ h be5 pla9ly    
be=e 8 ?\ght4 ,& ! words ( few m5 w\ld  
be m wor?y ( c>eful record & review ?an 
delib]ate words f ,l9coln ^u ?is        
_w-p]plex+ qu]y3--h[ adju/ "o's ?\ghts &
 acts to a moral evil1 t invet]ately    

endures1 & is nev] aton$8 ,b 9 fact t   
am5dm5t 0 nev] c>ri$ ?r\gh4 ,"o ( !     
fruits ( slav]y 0 its ra% unwisdom at j 
?is juncture4  ,/ill1 ?\gh ! am5dm5t    
laps$1 slav]y held on4 ,& slavehold]s   
tight5$ _! resolution to reta9 _! rights
 9 slaves1 or r5d ! ,union4 ,?is        
precipitat$ w>4 ,?is may seem to h d\bl$
 ,l9coln's problem1 slav]y & national   
dissolution4 ,/&+ at ! apex ( national  
responsibility1 he _h to be> ! hotte/   
brunt ( ! physical angui%1 ! m5tal      
p]plexity1 & ! moral sorr[s ( a w> wag$ 
by a slave-hold+ ,s\? 9 militant        
secession4 ,b 9 reality1 9 8 ?\ght1 !   
two 7 "o4 ,all turn$ on slav]y4 ,?is 0 !
 burn+ blemi% 9 ! ,con/itution4 ,?is 0 !
 int5t ( ! w>4 ,?is 0 ! burd5 on 8 he>t4
 ,"h 0 a load too griev\s = any man to  
be>4 ,x bore prepond]antly on him4 ,&   
yet1 z reg>ds any p]sonal & consci\s    
desire or de$1 he 0 ?r\gh & 9 x all     
consci\s )9 himself ( innoc5ce4 ,8 trial
 & sorr[ 7 )\t cause4 ,h[ n[1 9 8 sob]e/
 ?\ght1 0 all ?is moral confusion       

expla9$8 ,hat+ slav]y ) all 8 he>t1     
innoc5t all 8 life ( any incl9ation to  
rob ano!r man ( lib]ty1 b pl$g$ & sworn 
to %elt] slav]y "u ! arm ( 8 supreme &  
free au?ority1 h[ c\ld he prove himself 
consi/5t morally8  ,"h em]ge ! pr(\nde/ 
?\ghts ( ,l9coln on ! ways ( ,god4 ,&   
h]e9 appe>s 8 contribution to a         
!odicy--a v9dication ( ,god's moral     
honor1 :]e 8 moral gov]nm5t seems slack4
 ,h[ c ?\ghtful m5 conceive & hold t    
,god is j1 :5 su* inju/ice & disa/] are 
all[$ at all1 mu* less = c5turies2 9 any
 corn] ( ! e>?1 mu* less :]e heav5's    
favor seems to dwell8  ,^u ?is subdu+   
!me ?is la/ inaugural gives u ,l9coln's 
mo/ explicit words4 ,( ,god's p]sonal   
be+1 & ( 8 p]sonal c>e1 ?is address %[s 
,l9coln to be p]fectly assur$4 ,?is 0 8 
/&+ attitude & confid5ce4 ,?r\gh\t 8    
ye>s 9 ! presid5cy ?is tru/ _h seem$    
unwav]+4 ,inde$1 by repeat$1 almo/      
unconsci\s atte/ations1 x 0 8 /able/    
tru/4 ,"s ( 8 utt]ances are t5d] & t\*+ 
te/imonials to 8 belief t ,god rules 9 8

 own p]sonal c>e]4 ,b ma9ly 8           
confessions ( belief 9 ! ,provid5ce (   
,god are connect$ ) national conc]ns4   
,he did joyfully1 almo/ jubilantly      
believe t ?is ,republic 0 "u ,god's     
special wat* & c>e4 ,8 own hope = our   
national future well-be+ & honor re/$   
ma9ly1 we mu/ judge1 ^u ! tok5s he ?\ght
 he c\ld trace 9 our ?rill+ & inspir+   
hi/ory ( ! div9e controll+ c>e4 ,at     
bottom x 0 ?is fai? t und]lay all 8     
patriotism4 ,t ! fundam5tal affirmations
 ( our ,con/itution 7 rescripts & dige/s
 f ! w & ^w ( ,god 0 ! lively gr\nd &   
unfail+ confirmation ( 8 pure devotion  
to 8 ,nation's honor & weal4 ,m ?an     
aught 9 all ! _w beside1 x 0 ?is        
religi\s fai? t /eadi$ & gird$ 8 w ?r\gh
 all ^? /r5u\s days4  ,x is j "h t ?is  
/udy ( a !odicy sets 94 ,above all 8 =m]
 ?\ghts ab\t himself1 ab\t 8 l&1 ab\t ! 
cla% ( "r & wrong2 above all ?\ghts (   
o!r m51 & o!r times2 ev5 above 8 own & 8
 oppon5ts' =m] pray]s & fai?1 he lifts  
new ?\ghts 9 new rev]5ce & new docility 

t[>ds ,god4  ,/ill naught b slav]y 9 8  
!me--its und5iable iniquity2 its /range1
 prolong$ p]mission2 8 own1 & all o!r   
m5's responsibility2 its unavoidable    
entail 9 p5alty2 & ! div9e1 endur+ t]ms 
( new lib]ty & peace4 ,"h are !mes &    
fix$ realities t seem et]nally to       
disagree4 ,c !y ev] all be morally      
h>moniz$8 ,c\ld ev5 ,god enlight5 t d>k 
pa/8 ,c\ld 8 own hi/oric acts be morally
 unifi$8 ,no?+ he _h ev] done ) slav]y1 
n ev5 its utt] elim9ation 9 8 act (     
fre$om1 _h ev] be5 done1 he explicitly  
affirm$1 on moral gr\nds4 ,yet slav]y1 &
 by 8 own h&1 0 inde$ undone4 ,b ev5 s !
 _s ( ! ,s\? 0 /ill inv9cible1 & w> 0   
hold+ on4 ,:at inde$ c\ld be ! ?\ghts & 
plans ( ,god8  ,to beg9 )1 he confesses 
bo? ,nor? & ,s\? & all ! l& gone wrong4 
,?is is ! fir/ compon5t 9 8 !odicy4     
,nei!r ,nor? nor ,s\?1 n ev5 9 ! act (  
pray]1 _h walk$ ) ,god1 nor f\nd ! tru?1
 nor ga9$ its wi%4 ,all ?\ghts ( m51 9 !
 righte\s rule ( ,god1 7 be+ ov]turn$4  
,?is confession v]ges ne> to wor%ip1    

acclaim+1 z x does1 ! ,almighty's       
designs2 & v5tur+ z x does1 to trace &  
reproduce ! ,almighty's ?\ghts4  ,"h is 
se5 h[ g5u9e is ! moral e>ne/ness 9     
,l9coln's e>ne/ ?\ghtfulness4 ,z ?\gh by
 a v in/9ct1 8 =m ( words betrays 8     
rev]5ce4 ,he refra9s f dogmatism4 ,he   
refra9s ev5 f affirmation4 ,he kn[s he  
is v5tur+ ^u a d>+ flight4 ,he is assum+
 to conjo9 toge!r into a moral unison t 
bitt] sample ( ! age-long cruelty ( man 
aga9/ 8 bro!r1 & ! transc5d5t           
sov]eignty1 ! et]nal ju/ice1 & !        
age-long sil5ce ( ,god4 ,8 =mula is a   
mode/ supposition4 ,b )9 its mode/y is  
an eye t se>*es f>4  ,he takes resort 9 
"o ( ! mo/ tr5*ant decl>ations ( ,*ri/1 
t mom5t\s say+ 9 8 colloquy ab\t !      
maje/y & mode/y ( a little *ild3--,woe  
unto ! _w because ( (f5ses6 = x mu/ ne$s
 be t (f5ses come2 b woe to t man by :om
 ! (f5se come?4  ,9 ?is colloquy ,jesus 
seems to be mov$ by a t5d] impulse (    
affectionate jeal\sy = ! model beauty & 
grace ( *ildr54 ,b t t5d]ness is r\s$   

into "o ( ! mo/ t]rific outbur/s t ev]  
pass$ 8 lips4 ,little *ildr5 are        
,*ri/like1 ,godlike1 models ( !         
citiz5%ip 9 ! heav5ly ,k+dom4 ,god is _!
 jeal\s gu>dian & def5d]4 ,b ,godlike1 &
 ( heav5ly dignity ?\gh !y be1 !y are %y
 & frail4 ,& m51 z !y gr[ gross &       
impud5t1 abuse & (f5d _! def5selessness4
 ,s ?+s h to be4 ,b woe to su* (f5d]s4  
,!y 7 bett] ti$ to t mammo? /one t !    
mule turns 9 ! mill1 & subm]g$ 9 ! abyss
 ( ! deep ( ! great sea4  ,"h are f\r   
notewor?y elem5ts3--a bl5d$ heav5ly     
mode/y & maje/y & innoc5ce2 an          
insuff]able insol5ce2 a trebly-t]rible  
p5alty2 & a /range & om9\s necessity4   
,ov] ^! f\r factors ,l9coln's m9d mu/ h 
pond]$ long4 ,else h[ expla9 _! place 9 
?is inaugural8 ,!y =m ! f\ndation ( its 
c5tral p>agraph1 & con/itute its p>am\nt
 argum5t2 =m+ alike a sob]+ admonition1 
& a humble gr\nd ( hope to all !        
,nation1 :ile at ! same "t hold+ al(t   
be=e ! ,nation's ?\ght ! outl9e &       
sub/ance ( a /ately v9dication ( ! ways 

( ,god4 ,evid5tly "h is %apely fa%ion+ 9
 lucid spee* ( ,l9coln's ripe/1 sure/   
?\ght4 ,z "o faces all its range1 x     
seems l ! op5 sky1 cle> b fa?omless4 ,b 
its wisdom is d\bly seal$1 & x be>s a   
d\ble claim to our respect4 ,x %[s ! way
 ( ,l9coln's m9d1 & ! way ( ! m9d (     
,*ri/4 ,n quickly w any o!r ?9k]1 h[ev] 
discipl9$1 trav]se all its c\rse4 ,b    
travel :]e he w 9 ! mighty orbit ( ?is  
inquiry1 ! mod]n ?9k]1 :atev] 8         
atta9m5t1 may f9d 9 ?is inaugural %9+   
indications t ,l9coln's ?\ght has gone  
be=e4  ,9 ?is mode/1 f>-se>*+           
supposition1 transf]r$ to ,am]ican      
hi/ory f ! lips ( ,*ri/1 ,l9coln firmly 
grasps two solid facts1 elem5tal &      
univ]sal 9 human life3--! beautiful     
mode/y ( ! meek2 & ! ugly arrogance 9 ! 
/rong4 ,/r5g? & weakness ne$s mu/ be4   
,^! invite to rud5ess & retreat4 ,!n !  
p[]ful ov]be>4 ,! g5tle are ov]borne4   
,(f5ses multiply4 ,! arrogant prevail4  
,s mu/ x be4 ,b :5 ! meek g d[n b5ea? ! 
wick$ rud5ess ( ! /rong1 !n ! ,mo/ ,high

 ,god1 )9 ^: firm dom9ion bo? /rong &   
weak %>e equally 9 all ! privileges &   
rights ( lib]ty & law1 sets ov] ! (f5d$ 
"o 8 %ield1 & aga9/ ! pr\d (f5d] 8      
sword1 until pity & equity are en?ron$  
^u ! e>? aga94 ,?us mu/ x be4 ,! meek   
mu/ suff]4 ,(f5d]s mu/ arise4 ,b        
meekness is a heav5ly1 ,godlike quality4
 ,& z ) ,god1 s ) 8 g5tle little ones1  
pati5t g5tl5ess w be duly v9dicat$2 rude
 arrogance w meet exact & fit rebuke2 & 
x w /& cle> t /r5g? & weakness may dwell
 toge!r 9 equity & lib]ty & peace4  ,?is
 0 ! age-long moral process :i*         
,l9coln's eye disc]n$1 & ! f9al issue   
:i* 8 expectation hail$4 ,!n & !re9 8   
eye disc]n$ t all voices w\ld be        
con/ra9$ to proclaim t 9 all ! moral _w 
pity & equity 7 preval5t2 t ! lea/ _h   
,godlike maje/y2 t humility gave to all 
! great _! c\rtl9ess2 & t !re 0 )9 all  
m5 a fadeless wor?1 f> outrank+ all o!r 
weal?4  ,b x is ess5tial to note1 n     
alone t ,l9coln (f]s ?is 9 ! mode/ =m ( 
supposition2 b t1 z x leaves 8 lips1 x  

assumes ! =mula ( a confession4 ,ev5 !  
meek receive rebuke4 ,! g5tle/ h w&]$   
also away f ,god4 ,! problem has        
surpass$ u all4 ,all h some:at to le>n f
 ,god4 ,t arrogance may meet its due1   
meekness mu/ be yet m meek4 ,x mu/ ne$s 
be t (f5ses come4 ,great] ?an all our   
wrong1 & all our pati5ce1 is ! pati5t   
tru? ( ,god4 ,?is mu/ be fully le>n$4 ,x
 is "u wrong t wrong is made "r4 ,x is  
by meekness "u arrogance t arrogance is 
put to %ame4 ,x is by g5tl5ess "u       
rud5ess t rud5ess is subdu$4 ,(f5ses mu/
 ne$s be4 ,only 9 sacrificial submission
 to its woe is ! problem ( evil ev]     
resolv$4 ,only ?us is ! iniquity ( ! s9 
measur$ back ^u ! evil do] 9 a          
symmetrical & equival5t rebuke4  ,b ?is 
is nev] to exculpate ! (f5d] or condone 
! (f5se4 ,blood ) ! sword1 drop = drop1 
mu/ be met$ out to ! slavehold]1 z he   
met$ out to ! slave blood ) ! la%4 ,all 
! weal? t ! bonds-man's "l has snat*$ f 
! toil+ slave mu/ be yield$ up4 ,ov]    
human scorn & gre$ & inju/ice & cruelty 

hang unfail+ly judgm5ts t are true &    
righte\s altoge!r4 ,nei!r may !y :o are 
(f5d$ rail1 nor !y :o (f5d exult1 ov] ! 
div9e delay4 ,nor :5 ,god's judgm5ts    
fall may !y :o are rebuk$ compla91 nor  
!y :o are r$eem$ turn exultation into   
arrogance4 ,god's ways1 & 8 alone are   
ev51 & altoge!r true4  ,9 ?\ghts l ^!   
,l9coln's f9al explanation ( ! ways (   
,god took =m4 ,9 pati5t1 rep5tant1 ador+
 acquiesc5ce 8 he>t f\nd re/4 ,8 sorr[s 
7 pr(\nd1 ! sorr[s ( a patriot1 k9sman  
to all ! sorr[ful 9 ! l&4 ,b he le>n$1  
h[ev] deep ! /roke1 to =be> compla9t4   
,he receiv$ ! sorr[s ( ! w> into 8 own  
brea/ z heav5's righte\s woe ^u a       
haughty l&1 & z heav5's discipl9e1 tea*+
 (f5d]s ! woe ( _! (f5se4 ,s 8 ways     
became co9cid5t ) ! great] ways ( ,god4 
,b 9 ?is moral explication ( ! w>1 & (  
all t ! w> involves1 two va/ly diff]5t  
types ( "* p]si/4 ,l9coln's solution ( !
 enigma 0 9 diametrical contra/ ) !     
views ( ! lead+ spirits ( ! ,s\?4 ,n l  
him did !y rate slav]y1 nor conceive !  

w>1 nor und]/& ! ways ( ,god4 ,h[1 n[1  
c\ld ,l9coln's view assimilate ?is      
obduracy 9 ! ,s\?8 ,?is "q 0 cle>ly )9 !
 scope ( ,l9coln's ?\ght1 & its answ] is
 embrac$ 9 :at has already be5 expla9$4 
,giv5 an ev5 p5alty = any s91 drop =    
drop ) ! av5g+ sword = blood ) ! la%1 & 
x is morally indiff]5t :e!r m5 rail1 or 
:e!r !y acquiesce4 ,! wrong is made "r4 
,! meek are r$eem$4 ,god's delay is     
v9dicat$4 ,rud5ess is rev]s$4 ,! law is 
fully reveal$4 ,man's lib]ty is honor$  
equally4 ,cruelty & unfairness are      
rebuk$4 ,! ga9s ( gre$ are scatt]$4     
,humble/ m5 are cr[n$ ) et]nal dignity4 
,to su*1 :e!r f ! ,nor? or f ! ,s\?1 z )
 melt+ sorr[ & rep5tance welcom$ to _!  
bosoms ?is bitt] v9dication ( ^? primal 
rights1 ! sorr[s ( ! w> op5$ into       
p]5nial peace4 ,to su* z repell$ t      
pr(f]$ v9dication1 !re 0 9 ! sorr[s ( ! 
w> no alleviation4 ,b = bo?1 nev]!less1 
& = bo? id5tically1 ! sorr[s ( ! w>     
complet$ ! moral v9dication ( a pure &  
,*ri/like equity & fri5dl9ess4 ,?us all 

! ways ( ,god1 ) ! rep5tant & !         
rebelli\s alike1 are j & righte\s       
altoge!r4 ,?is x is ! highe/ wisdom ( m5
 to acquiesc5tly confess4 ,to ?is ev5 ^?
 :o rebelli\sly compla9 & rail mu/      
f9ally utt]ly submit4  ,& n[ "o f9al    
matt] rema9s--! idea & def9ition (      
happ9ess4 ,:5 m5 discuss ! problem (    
evil 9 ! univ]se1 & 9 its awful pres5ce 
try to sub/antiate _! confid5ce 9 ! j & 
fri5dly c>e ( a transc5d5t ,deity1 "o   
subtle t\*/one gov]ns all !y say3--,:at 
is _! conception ( human weal1 & ( human
 woe8 ,:at 9 actual fact is deepe/      
mis]y2 & :at is true felicity8 ,:at d !y
 assume man's highe/ good to be8  ,j "h 
is wide & multi=m div]sity4 ,=          
illu/ration1 let ?\ght recur to !       
contra/ ) :i* ! topic ( ?is *apt] 0     
introduc$4 ,! idea ( happ9ess t ,goe!   
plants 9 ,dr4 ,fau/1 & ! idea ( happ9ess
 t rul$ 9 ,l9coln1 are z sep>ate z !    
poles4 ,& aga91 to keep )9 ! sett+ ( ?is
 inaugural1 ! happ9ess t[>ds :i* ,l9coln
 /rove1 & 9 :i* 8 ?\ght f\nd            

satisfaction1 contra/$ mightily ) !     
happ9ess t in=m$ ! aspirations ( !      
lead]s ( ! ,s\?4 ,9 _! ideal1 disda9 (  
all inf]iors1 delight 9 easy luxury1    
unequal ackn[l$gm5t ( rights1 & a cruel 
/ifl+ ( ! v rudim5ts ( love1 7 mix$ &   
work+ mightily4 ,desir+ & enjoy+ t      
,elysium1 _! e/imate ( evil1 _!         
def9ition ( ! highe/ good1 & _!         
programme = a f9al consummation "u ,god 
c\ld h no fell[%ip ) any f9al plan (    
?\ght approv$ by ,l9coln4  ,:at 0       
,l9coln's highe/ happ9ess8 ,?is m]its   
pond]+ any:]e2 b compell+ly1 :]e "o     
tries to trace 8 views ^u ?is problem ( 
!odicy2 & yet /ill m :5 "o conceives 9  
?is inquiry h[ 9 ,l9coln's life 8 e?ics1
 8 civics1 & 8 religion became co9cid5t4
  ,z ?is mighty problem resolves itself 
9 ,l9coln's m9d1 x compreh5ds1 along ) 8
 own welf>e & wor? & true cont5tm5t1 !  
equal dignity & happ9ess ( e o!r man1 & 
a h>moni\s consonance ) ! be+ & decree (
 ,god4 ,he sees t scorn ( any o!r man   
involves 9 "t ! scorn]'s %ame4 ,he sees 

t robb]y1 h[ev] veil$1 entails a debt ^:
 p]fect reimbursem5t ! sl[e/ c5turies w 
9 _! "t exact4 ,he sees t any =m (      
malice or unfri5dl9ess1 h\s$ & f$ 9 any 
he>t1 w =feit all ! joy ( gratitude1 &  
fill t he>t at la/ ) v9dictive hate &   
bitt]e/ lonel9ess4 ,he sees t fle%ly    
joys1 h[ev] lu% & full1 are m>k$ & de/9$
 = a swift & sure decay & we>9ess &     
vanity4 ,& s1 to realize ! p]fect       
welf>e1 he comm5ds to himself1 & urges  
p]suasively on all o!r m51 ! sov]eign   
good ( an ev5 ju/ice1 upheld )9 himself1
 & s measur$ out to o!r m5 by ! p]fect  
/&>d ( ,god's self-respect+ loyalty2 (  
univ]sal *>ity1 eag] ev]y:]e to m9i/]   
univ]sal b5efit & peace2 ( supreme      
en?usiasm = endur+ life2 & ( a g5u9e    
humility1 t %>es all hope ) all ! l[ly1 
& tru/s & honors ,god4 ,9 ?is f\rfold1  
composite unison ( consci\s1 dea?less   
life ,l9coln sees ! faire/ goal1 !      
*oice/ boon1 ! highe/ good ( man4 ,9 !  
pres5ce ( su* a /&>d1 & be=e ! outlook (
 su* a hope ,l9coln fa%ions 8 !odicy4   

,"h !n is ! sum ( ,l9coln's ?\ght ^u ?is
 bewild]+ !me3--  ,! evil t makes ?is   
e>?ly lot s d>k & h>d is man's wrong to 
man2 ! awful sorr[s ( ! meek2 ! (f5ses  
wr\ght ^u ! helpless by ! arrogant4     
,be=e ?is my/]y all o!r my/]ies1 h[ev]  
deep & t]rible1 su* z hurricanes &      
fam9e1 plagues & dea?1 may n be nam$4   
,?is mo/ sov]eign evil is mo/ cle>ly    
und]/ood by ^? :o are oppress$4 ,_! eyes
 pi]ce all its deeps4 ,! rude are1 by _!
 rud5ess1 bl9d4  ,! names ( all :o suff]
 & are /ill are regi/]$ on high = full  
solace & r$emption4  ,! regi/] ( !      
rud5ess ( ! /rong is also full1 & de/9$ 
= full requital4  ,?is r$emption &      
requital %all be wr\ght by ,god4  ,9 ?is
 r$emption ! ru?less may rel5t & %>e )  
all ! meek ! full measure ( all _!      
sorr[s1 & s become p>tak]s ( all _! joy4
  ,if ru?lessness p]si/1 full requitals 
%all /ill desc5d1 & 9 ! pres5ce ( ,god's
 ev5 righte\sness e m\? %all be /opp$4  
,& s %all all evil be fully rectifi$4   
,,8 ,,piety--,,! ,,problem ,,(          

,,religion  ,( all ! words ( ,l9coln1   
ev9c+ :at he ?\ght ( ,god1 none outweigh
 ! witness ( ?is la/ inaugural4 ,8 reply
 to ,?url[ ,we$ reg>d+ ?is address1     
ref]r$ to 9 ano!r place1 conc]n$        
precisely j ?is po9t--! movem5ts & !    
po/ulates ( 8 religi\s fai?4 ,z 8 rip5$ 
m9d prep>$ & pond]$ & review$ ?is spee*1
 !re accru$ )9 8 consci\sness a solemn  
confid5ce t x 0 de/9$ to become 8 mo/   
endur+ monum5t2 & t z com+ g5]ations    
became aw>e ( its out/&+ em95ce1 _! eyes
 & he>ts w\ld fa/5 on ^? words ab\t !   
age-long1 j1 & ov]turn+ purposes ( ,god4
 ,!re 0 a confession1 s ,l9coln felt    
assur$1 embrac+ & conjo9+ ,nor? & ,s\? &
 ,ea/ & ,we/ 9 an equal l[l9ess & %ame2 
& decl>+ & extoll+ ,god's div9e         
supremacy ov] all ! err+ wayw>dness &   
awful suff]+s ( m54  ,9 ?is outp\r+ ( 8 
burd5$ he>t be=e 8 ,god1 & 9 ! pres5ce (
 8 fell[m51 !re is evid5ce respect+     
,l9coln's piety t c\rts reflection4  ,9 
! fir/ place x indicates :]e ,l9coln's  
s5se ( moral rectitude f\nd out its f9al

 be>+s4 ,^? purposes ( ,god1 z ,l9coln  
wat*$ _! op]ation1 7 work+ out ! moral  
issues 9 ! awful wrong ( age-long1      
unrequit$ toil 9 p]fect equity4 ,/rong  
m5 _h be5 wrong+ weakl+s & inf]iors4    
,helpless m5 _h be5 suff]+ untold       
sorr[s4 ,indignant m5 _h be5 cry+ out 9 
hot & ha/y prote/ = full & spe$y        
v5geance4 ,?\ghtful m5 _h be5 tortur$   
ov] we>y1 futile wond]+s z to h[ !      
baffl+ problem c\ld be solv$4           
,convulsions & confusion1 :i* no arm or 
?\ght ( man c\ld />t or /ay1 7 %ak+ &   
bewild]+ all ! l&4  ,b ?r\gh & ov] all1 
z ,l9coln came rev]5tly to believe1 a   
sov]eign ,god held righte\s gov]nm5t2 & 
out ( all ! baffl+ turmoil he 01 by     
simple righte\sness1 br++ p]fect unison 
& peace4 ,! d>k my/]y ( unrequit$ wrong 
0 be+ illum9at$ by ! righte\s maje/y (  
complete requital4 ,b 9 its full        
p]fection1 x 0 a righte\sness su* z no  
m9d ( man devis$4 ,x 0 ! righte\sness ( 
,god4 ,"h ,l9coln's moral s5se 0        
purifi$4 ,he 0 be+ taught ( ,god4 ,& ?is

 he cle>ly1 humbly recogniz$4 ,& he took
 full pa9s 9 ?is address to give ,god   
all ! praise4 ,& s 8 rev]5ce t[>ds      
,deity1 & 8 affirmation t\*+            
righte\sness became id5tical4 ,8 s5se ( 
equity /ood clo!d 9 piety4  ,9 ! second 
place1 deep )9 ! he>t ( ^! div9e        
in/ructions 7 su* unveil+s ( ,god's high
 maje/y1 9 8 /eadfa/ reign above ! pass+
 c5turies1 z awoke on ,l9coln's lips su*
 l[ly adoration z attun$ ^! words (     
,godly /atesman%ip unto a psalm (       
praise4 ,"h ,l9coln's l[l9ess atta9s    
consummate beauty4 ,x is inde$ an       
utt]ance ( pr(\nd abasem5t4 ,x s9ks     
b5ea? a /rong rebuke4 ,x ackn[l$ges sad 
w&]+s4 ,x accepts correction1 & meekly  
takes ,god's guid+ h&4 ,x also sees     
,god's excell5ce1 8 high ?\ghts & ways1 
8 irresi/ible dom9ion1 8 moral          
spotlessness4 ,& be=e t revelation he   
humbly walks among 8 fell[-citiz5s1 !   
l[lie/ ( !m all1 confess+ t ! reproa*   
involv$ 9 :at he said fell heavie/ ^u   
himself2 & !re91 z a prie/1 lead+ !     

,nation 9 an act ( wor%ipp+             
submissiv5ess be=e ! ,"l4 ,h]e9 8       
comely1 moral mode/y becomes an act &   
attitude ( simple rev]5ce t[>ds ,god4 ,&
 ?us 8 humility1 j l 8 s5se (           
righte\sness1 becomes app>ell$ all ab\t 
) ,godly piety4  ,9 ! ?ird place1 ?is   
new disc]nm5t ( ! ways ( ,god unfolds   
pr(\nd discov]ies ( ! div9e evaluation (
 ! div]se1 cont5d+ int]e/s 9 our comm+l$
 life4 ,x makes cle> :i* values fade1 & 
:i* %9e on et]nally4 ,! problem ^u :i*  
,l9coln _h transfix$ 8 eye 0 t two &    
"o-half c5turies ( h>d & sad            
embondagem5t4 ,by t gross s9 m5's       
dea?less s\ls 7 b\ght & sold = transi5t 
ga94 ,pa/ all d5ial1 !re9 0 moral wrong2
 else moral wrong _h no exi/5ce4 ,its   
pres5ce1 e "t he fac$ x1 tortur$        
,l9coln1 & made him mis]able4 ,& x      
affront$ heav51 ov]turn+ ,god's creative
 fiat ( equality 9 all mank9d4 ,x set & 
rank$ brief creature com=ts & desires   
above ! wor? ( heav5's image 9 a bro!r  
man4 ,e day x *all5g$ heav5's curse4 ,b 

heav5's judgm5t 0 delay$4 ,long c5turies
 seem$ to %[ t heav5 0 indiff]5t :e!r   
human s\ls or c>nal pleasures held      
sup]ior rank4  ,b n[1 )9 ! awful tumult 
( ! w> !re boom$ an und]tone1 convey+   
unto all :o _h quick e>s to he>1 h[ ,god
 adjudg$ t wrong4 ,^u d>k battle cl\ds  
%one heav5ly light1 mak+ newly pla9     
,god's e/imate ( slavehold] & ( slave2 (
 joys & ga9s t p]i% ) _! use1 or await  
recall2 & ( s\ls t nev] die4 ,^? awful  
tid+s told h[ ill-gott51 c>nal weal? is 
mortgag$ "u woe1 & to ! utt]mo/ f>?+ mu/
 be releas$2 h[ (f5d+ m5 affront ! ,"l2 
& h[ all (f5ses mu/ be av5g$4 ,!y made  
full cle> h[ he :o grasps at e>?ly ga9  
by wreck+ human dignity commits a primal
 s9--a s9 t "t1 ?\gh x run into         
c5turies1 _c obscure1 or mitigate1 or   
exempt f /rict review4 ,!y reveal       
infallibly t ,god's pure eye is on      
,god's image 9 e son ( man2 t supreme1  
f>-see+ ends are lodg$ 9 all ! good b   
un5dur+ gifts :]e) ,god's wise & k9dly  
b\nties cr[n man's toil2 t a p]fect     

moral gov]nm5t holds dom9ion ev]y:]e &  
=ev]more2 & t b5ea? ?is rule1 9 ,god's  
own "t1 x %all come supremely cle> t    
fea/s & luxury & f9e attire1 t weal? &  
lu/ & pamp]$ fle% h less] wor? & pass   
away1 :ile s\ls ( m5 may ?rive1 & ga91 &
 w9 new wor? et]nally4  ,z ,l9coln's eye
 review$ ^! c5turies ( revel+ weal?1 &  
impov]i%$ he>ts2 & beheld1 9 ! issues ( 
! resultant w>1 t weal? laid wa/e1 & ^? 
pure he>ts f$ & fill$ ) hope & lib]ty2 8
 wisdom to comp>e all e>?-born1 mortal  
?+s ) ?+s unp]i%+ & heav5ly pass$ ?r\gh 
new bir?1 new gr[? to new complet5ess 9 
dep? & cl>ity & confid5ce4 ,& all ?is   
ga9 to ,l9coln1 :ile :olly e?ical1 deal+
 z x did ) ! wrong & "r 9 human slav]y &
 lib]ty1 ow$ all its increase to tru]   
und]/&+ ( ! ,"l4 ,"h aga9 8 e?ics 0     
purifi$ by fai?4 ,8 fai? 0 deeply       
e?ical4 ,z ) 8 l[l9ess1 & 8 rectitude1 s
 ) 8 moral valuation ( ! human s\l4 ,x 0
 ve/ur$ all ab\t ) ,godly piety4  ,9 !  
f\r? place1 )9 ! awful wreckage ( ! w>1 
) :i* ?is la/ inaugural is s absorb$1   

!re 7 mighty atte/ations t ,god 0       
pitiful4 ,t w> c\ld be def9$ z ,god's   
v5geance on man's cruelty4 ,precisely   
?is 0 :at ,l9coln grew to see4 ,to all  
:o toil$ 9 slav]y ! w> _h br\ght        
deliv]ance4 ,!reby ! /++ la% 0 snat*$ f 
human h&s2 ! human heel 0 ?ru/ f human  
necks2 ! %ameless havoc ( ! homes ( l[ly
 m5 0 /ay$2 c\ntless suff]+s 7 assuag$2 
& true bless$ness 0 re/or$ to s\ls      
h>d-wont$ to unrel5t+ grief4  ,& ?is    
a*ievem5t 0 alone ! ,"l's4 ,( all       
d[n-trodd5 m5 high heav5 became !       
*ampion4 ,9 all its awful judgm5ts he :o
 rul$ t conflict rememb]$ m]cy4 ,high   
above all ! bloody c>nage ( ^? swords   
!re sway$ ! scept] ( ! ,all-pitiful4 ,9 
! v doom ^u ! /rong ,god wr\ght         
r$emption = ! poor4 ,& s1 z t dreadful  
wreckage br\ght to no?+ all ! pride 9 ! 
extort$ ga9 ( c5turies1 x publi%$ mo/   
impressively t he :o reign$ above all   
c5turies 0 ,all-compassionate4  ,to ?is 
great ?\ght ( ,god1 ,l9coln key$ ?is la/
 inaugural4 ,! maje/y ( ,god's sov]eign 

law ( purity & righte\sness 0 rob$ 9    
k9dl9ess4 ,into ?is high tru? asc5d$    
,l9coln's patriot hope4 ,let m5 h5ce=?  
=swe> all cruelty1 & foll[ ,god 9 %[+   
all :o suff] _! co/lie/ sympa?y4 ,?is 0 
a mighty long+ 9 8 great he>t1 z he     
prep>$ ?is spee*4 ,be=e ,god's          
v9dication ( ! meek1 let ! m]ciless gr[ 
m]ciful4 ,yea1 let all ! l&1 = all ! l& 
_h tak5 "p 9 human cruelty1 confess its 
wrong1 accept ,god's sc\rge )\t         
compla9t1 ?us op5+ e he>t to ,god's     
free1 heal+ grace1 & b9d+ all ! l& 9    
leagues ( fri5dl9ess4 ,let m51 l ,god1  
be pitiful4 ,l ,god1 let m5 be m]ciful4 
,9 mutual sympa?y let all make cle> h[  
m5 ( e sort may yet resemble ,god1 !    
,all-compassionate4 ,?is 0 ! tr5d &     
/r5g? ( ,l9coln's g5tl5ess1 z x /ood &  
wr\ght 9 full maturity b5ea? ,god's     
discipl9e1 )9 ?is la/ inaugural4 ,x 0   
no?+ b an e*o & reflection ( ! g5tl5ess 
( ,god4 ,& s1 9 8 b5ignity1 z 9 8       
rectitude & l[l9ess & purity1 he /ood 9 
?is address attir$ 9 ,godly piety4  ,s  

,l9coln's e?ics c be describ$1 9 8 rip5$
 h>ve/-tide ( life4 ,s x /&s 9 ?is      
inaugural4 ,x is alike a liv+ code =    
daily life1 & a religi\s fai?4 ,x is    
born & taught ( ,god4 ,x is ,godl9ess   
)\t disguise1 ^u ! op5 field ( civic    
/atesman%ip4 ,x is a prophet's voice1 9 
a civilian's spee*4 ,x is ! season$     
wisdom ( a man famili> equally ) ! field
 ( politics1 & ! place ( pray]4 ,x %[s  
h[ ,god may walk ) m51 h[ civic int]e/s 
deal ) ?+s div9e4 ,x proves t a civilian
 9 a =emo/ seat may )\t apology pr(ess  
himself a man ( ,god1 & ga9 !reby 9     
solid dignity4 ,x %[s h[ heav5 & e>? may
 h>monize4  ,b ?is manly recognition 9  
,l9coln's m9d ( ! inn] unison ( e?ics & 
religion 0 9 no respect ephem]al1 no    
c>eless utt]ance ( a s+le spee*1 no     
flitt+ s5tim5t ( a day4 ,x 0 ! fruitage 
( an ample season's gr[?4 ,x 0 royally  
delib]ate1 ! issue ( prolong$           
reflection1 ! goal ( m5tal equipoise &  
re/ to :i* 8 se>*+1 balanc$ ?\ght _h    
long conduc$4 ,x 0 9 keep+ ) an habitual

 incl9ation 9 8 life4  ,?is proclivity (
 8 inwr\ght moral hone/y to f9d its norm
 & orig91 its w>rant & secure f\ndation 
9 8 & 8 ,nation's ,god mu/ h tak5 %ape  
controll+ly )9 ^? sil5t days t int]v5$  
betwe5 8 fir/ election 9 #ahfj1 & ! date
 ( 8 inaugural oa? 9 #ahfa4 ,else1 9 ^? 
brief addresses on 8 way to ,wa%+ton1 t 
m>vel\s effloresc5ce ^u 8 hone/ lips (  
an ideal heav5w>d expectancy is         
unacc\ntable4 ,9 ^? disp]s$ & fugitive  
responses1 f ,spr+field to ,indep5d5ce  
,hall & ,h>risburg1 !re brea!d su*      
patriotic s5tim5ts ( aspiration &       
anxiety z ow$ _! ardor1 _! excell5ce1 & 
_! v loyalty to 8 eag] tru/ & hope1 t   
all 8 de$s z presid5t %\ld execute ! w (
 ,god4 ,?r\gh\t 8 presid5tial t]m ?is   
wi% to make 8 full (ficial em95ce a     
facile in/rum5t ( ,god1 atta9s 9 8 cle> 
purpose & intellig5ce a solid           
massiv5ess1 all too unfamili> 9 ! craft 
( politics4  ,! witness to ?is1 9 a     
lett] to ,a4 ,g4 ,hodges ( ,april1      
#ahfd1 is mo/ explicit & unimpea*able4  

,?is lett] is a transcript ( a v]bal    
conv]sation1 is writt5 by reque/1 & is  
design$ di/9ctly to make ! te/imony ( 8 
mortal lips ev]y:]e accessible &        
p]man5t4 ,its major portion aims to give
 8 =m] spok5 words a simple repetition4 
,!n he says3--,i add a ^w :i* 0 n 9 !   
v]bal conv]sation4 ,& ^u ?is he app5ds a
 p>agraph1 z ( some?+ he c\ld n re/ra91 
! :ile he 0 consci\s p]fectly t :at he 0
 ab\t to write 0 c]ta9 to be publi%$ &  
pres]v$ among all m54 ,9 ?is lett]1 s   
d\bly1 s explicitly delib]ate1 he is    
def5d+ 8 decree = un%ackl+ ! slave1 by !
 plea1 t only s c\ld ! ,union be        
pres]v$4 ,9 ! app5d$ p>agraph1 he       
disclaims all complim5t to 8 own        
sagacity1 & accr$its all direction &    
deliv]ance ( ! ,nation's life1 9 t d>k  
mortal crisis1 to ! hidd51 rev]5d       
gov]nm5t ( a k9d & righte\s ,god4  ,if  
any man desires to probe & und]/& !     
?\ghtfulness ( ,l9coln's piety1 let him 
place ?is d\bly-pond]$ docum5t & ! la/  
inaugural side by side1 rememb]+        

disc]n+ly ! date ( ea*1 detect+ h[ ea*  
conveys ,l9coln's well-dige/$ judgm5t ( 
unp>allel$ ev5ts1 & n =gett+ t ,l9coln  
=esaw h[ bo? ^? docum5ts w\ld be review$
 9 g5]ations to come4 ,"h are signs     
assur$ly t ,l9coln's l[l9ess & rev]5ce1 
8 pray]fulness & tru/1 8 /eadfa/ness &  
gratitude t[>ds ,god _h be5 balanc$ &   
illum9$ b5ea? ! livelong cogitations (  
an ev51 pi]c+ eye4 ,pursu+ & comp>+ e   
way ! tangl$1 complex facts ( hi/ory2 ! 
endless /rifes ( m52 ! brok5 lights 9   
m9ds mo/ sage2 & ! awful evid5ce1 z !   
c5turies evolve1 t gre$ & scorn & hate &
 falsity lead to woe2 8 pati5t m9d gr[s 
pois$ & cle> 9 fai? t a good & righte\s 
,god is sov]eign et]nally4 ,! tru? he   
grasp$ transc5d$ c5turies4 ,8 grasp+    
fai? transc5ds *ange4  ,b ,l9coln's     
piety 0 n alone deep-root$ & delib]ate1 
! rip5$ gr[? ( mix$ & manifold exp]i5ce4
 ,x 0 h]oic4 ,x 0 ! ma9spr+ & !         
inspiration ( a spl5did brav]y4 ,?is is 
f9ely %[n 9 ! e>ly autumn ( #ahfd4 ,on  
,septemb] #d ( t ye> he wrote a lett] to

 ,mrs4 ,gurney1 a ,quak]ess4 ,?is lett] 
be>s a mo/ curi\s & intimate resemblance
 to ! c5tral sub/ance ( ! la/ inaugural4
 ,x witnesses to 8 e>ne/ rese>* aft] !  
hidd5 ways ( ,god4  ,)9 ?is se>* he sees
 "s settl$ c]ta9ties4 ,he sees t he &   
all m5 are prone to fail1 :5 !y /rive to
 p]ceive :at ,god int5ds4 ,into su* an  
error t\*+ ! p]iod ( ! w> all _h fall54 
,god's rule _h ov]borne m5's hopes4     
,god's wisdom & m5's error !re9 w\ld yet
 be ackn[l$g$ by all4 ,m51 ?\gh prone to
 err1 if !y b e>ne/ly "w & humbly tru/ 9
 def]5ce to ,god1 w !re9 /ill conduce to
 ,god's great ends4 ,s ) ! w>4 ,x 0 a   
commotion transc5d+ any p[] ( m5 to make
 or /ay4 ,b 9 ,god's design x conta9$ "s
 noble boon4 ,& !n he closes1 z he      
began1 ) a t5d] intimation ( 8 rev]5t   
tru/ 9 pray]4 ,! :ole is compreh5d$ )9  
?is s+le c5tral s5t5ce1 a s5t5ce :i*    
involves & compreh5ds z well ! total    
measure ( ! la/ inaugural3--,! purposes 
( ! ,almighty are p]fect1 & mu/ prevail1
 ?\gh we err+ mortals may fail to       

accurately p]ceive !m 9 advance4  ,"h is
 a confession notable 9 itself4 ,x w\ld 
be notable 9 any man1 & at any "t4 ,b :5
 "o m>ks its date1 its notability is    
enhanc$ impressively4 ,= ,l9coln 0      
trav]s+ j !re "s ( ! d>ke/ h\rs ( 8     
ov]%ad[$ life4 ,x 0 ! p]iod foll[+ 8    
second nom9ation = ! presid5cy 9 ,may ( 
#ahfd1 & be=e ! crisis ( election 9     
,novemb] ( ! same ye>4 ,c5tral 9 t      
season ( we>isome & om9\s unc]ta9ty fell
 ! failure ( ! battle 9 ! ,wild]ness "u 
,grant2 ! misc>riage ( 8 plans =        
,ri*mond2 & ! awful c>nage by           
,pet]sburg4 ,"h fell also ! date (      
,e>ly's raid1 ) its t]rible disclosure (
 ! helplessness 9 ,wa%+ton4 ,!reupon    
ensu$1 9 unexampl$ e>ne/ness1 a         
recrudesc5ce ( ! great & widespread     
we>9ess ) ! w>2 & ( an op5 clamor = "s  
imm$iate conf]5ce & compromise = peace4 
,=emo/ lead]s & def5d]s ( ! ,union cause
 ?r\gh\t ! ,nor? sank d[n despair+ly1   
conv9c$ t at ! com+ national vote       
,l9coln 0 c]ta9 to meet defeat4 ,at !   

same "t ! army sorely ne$$ new recruits2
 b ano!r draft seem$ desp]ate4 ,!n      
,l9coln's close/ c\nselors approa*$ 8   
e>s ) heavy words ( hopelessness ab\t ! 
outlook 9 ! ,nor!rn ,/ates confess$ly   
mo/ pivotal4  ,9 ! mid/ ( ^? exp]i5ces1 
on ,augu/ #bc1 #ahfd1 ,l9coln p5n$ &    
fold$ away ) s+ul> c>e f all o!r eyes1  
^! foll[+ words3--  ,?is morn+1 z = "s  
days pa/1 x seems exce$+ly probable t   
?is adm9i/ration w n be reelect$4 ,!n x 
w be my duty to s co-op]ate ) !         
presid5t-elect z to save ! ,union betwe5
 ! election & ! inauguration1 z he w h  
secur$ 8 election on su* gr\nd t he _c  
possibly save x aft]w>d4  ,^? words 7   
writt5 elev5 days be=e he p5n$ !        
s5tim5ts cit$ above f ! lett] to !      
,quak]ess4 ,betwe5 ^? two dates !       
,democratic ,conv5tion ( ,*icago _h     
conv5$ & nom9at$ ,g5]al ,mc,clellan4    
,amid su* sc5es1 9 ! pres5ce ( su*      
ev5ts1 & among su* progno/ications1     
,l9coln *isel$ out ^? phrases ab\t !    
p]fect1 hidd51 b all-prevail+ purposes (

 ,god4 ,"h is ,godly piety 9 ! /]ne/    
/ress ( politics4 ,"h fai? is militant1 
& unsubdu$4 ,its face is l a burni%$    
%ield4 ,its pati5ce no campaign outwe>s4
 ,9 its con/ancy sugge/ions ( surr5d] c 
f9d no place4 ,x 0 =g$ ^u a well-worn   
anvil1 "u mighty /rokes1 & at a f]v5t   
heat4 ,fires only prov$ its purity4 ,x 0
 fight+ battles q z sore z any f\ght )  
/eel4 ,x 0 ! dea?less1 truceless c\rage 
( a moral h]o4 ,x 0 pure & p]fect       
=titude4 ,its /ruggle1 its te/+1 & its  
victory _h n be5 wr\ght on e>?ly        
battle-fields4 ,its /rife _h be5 ) ,god4
 ,m ?an ) ! ,s\?1 ,l9coln's controv]sy  
_h be5 ) ! ,mo/ ,high4 ,he wre/l$ ) !   
heav5ly angel ?r\gh ! night1 l ! anci5t 
patri>*4 ,l ! anci5t sa9t1 he bore !    
m>ks ( griev\s conflict4 ,& l him ( old1
 he ga9$ 8 boon4 ,he a*iev$ to see t    
,god & p]fect righte\sness 7 9 et]nal   
cov5ant4  ,su* 0 ,l9coln's piety4 ,8    
view ( ,god gave ,god an absolute       
pre-em95ce4 ,9 ,l9coln's day1 z 9 ! day 
:5 ,satan tempt$ ,*ri/1 va/ areas (     

human life seem$ to give all fai? 9     
,god's control ! lie2 & m5 9 multitudes 
abjur$ su* futile confid5ce4 ,b ,l9coln 
kept 8 fai? 9 ,god1 & tru?1 & love1 &   
immortality4 ,& 9 t fai? he judg$ 8     
tru/1 & hope1 & pray] to be pres]v$ on  
high inviolate4 ,!re above1 he firmly   
held1 7 lodg$ et]nally ! p]fect patt]n &
 assurance ( full rectitude & *>ity4 ,& 
9 t und]/&+ he held on e>? unyield+ly to
 ! p]fect image ( t heav5ly norm1 9 a   
pure & acquiesc5t loyalty & love4 ,?us  
disc]n+ly1 submissively1 triumphantly   
did ,l9coln's he>t aspire to unify an   
hone/ e>?ly walk ) a liv+ fai? 9 ,god4  
,"o ^w rema9s4 ,z ,l9coln makes         
confession ( 8 fai? 9 ?is inaugural1    
extoll+ ,god supremely1 & !re9 ann\nc+  
to 8 fell[m5 ! gr\ndwork ( 8 morality1 x
 comes to view t ! qualities held fa/ 9 
,l9coln's he>t1 & ! attributes ( ,god h 
m>vel\s aff9ity4 ,! equity he adores 9  
,god he *]i%es )9 himself1 & recomm5ds  
to all4 ,god's e/imate ( ! incomp>able  
value ( a human s\l1 :5 set beside !    

v>iable treasures m5 ex*ange1 ,l9coln's 
judgm5t rev]5tly approves1 & z rev]5tly 
adopts1 e/abli%+ !reby a /&>d quality 9 
8 consci\s life4 ,god's t5d] pity = !   
poor1 hidd5 deep 9 8 div9e rebuke (     
slav]y1 & hidd5 deep] /ill )9 8 m]cy =  
all :o help to be> its awful sacrifice1 
melts & molds ! he>t ( ,l9coln to ! same
 compassion4 ,& to ! v outl9es ( ,god's 
maje/y1 z 8 sov]eign purposes are all   
unroll$ & all fulfill$ ?r\gh\t ! e>?1   
,l9coln's s\l con=ms ideally1 9 its     
humble vision & expression ( dev\t1     
disc]n+ praise4  ,"h is some?+ pass+    
wond]ful4 ,betwe5 a fragile1 mortal man 
& ! et]nal ,god1 :5 ea* is limn$ 9 t]ms 
( e?ics1 appe>s a deep & high agreem5t4 
,!re is en?ron$ 9 ea* a common          
righte\sness4 ,9 ea*1 ! laws ( m]cy are 
! same4 ,9 ea* are con/itut$ pr9ciples  
inwr\ght ) immortality4 ,& )9 ! et]nal  
int]play ( rev]5ce & maje/y betwe5      
mank9d & ,god1 !re is a fell[%ip 9      
dignity t proves ! holy ,mak] & 8 moral 
creature to be imm$iately ak94 ,& s !   

m9d & w ( ,l9coln1 9 ?is _! moral       
pl5itude1 may int]pret & recomm5d1 may  
appreh5d & execute ! et]nal purposes (  
,god4 ,?is high commission ,l9coln      
humbly1 firmly und]took4 ,& 9 8 comm&+  
life !re is a mighty h9t1 n easy to     
sil5ce or erase1 t ,godl9ess & e?ics1   
:i* h be5 set s (t5 f> ap>t1 7 et]nally 
design$ = unison4   ,,8 ,,logic--,,!    
,,problem ,,( ,,p]suasion  ,9 ! /udy (  
,l9coln's e?ics x is n en\gh to describe
 x z an ideal s*eme ( ?\ght1 h[ev]      
notable its range & poise & insight may 
be se5 to be4 ,z ,l9coln's "* /&s =? 9  
national em95ce among our national      
h]oes1 he figures z a man ( de$s1 a man 
( p[]ful influ5ce ov] ! actions ( o!r   
m51 a man ( ma/]ly exploits4 ,h[ev]     
truly x may be affirm$ t multitudes (   
adjutants re9=c$ 8 und]tak+s at e turn &
 on e side1 x /ill holds also true1 & t 
a tru? almo/ )\t a p>allel1 t 8 %e]     
p]sonal =ce 0 ! s+le1 und5iable1        
ov]-ma/]+ en]gy t %ap$ ?is ,nation's    
evolution ?r\gh an out/&+ epo* 9 its    

c>e]4 ,x 0 prim>ily out ( ^? prolific & 
exhau/less en]gies1 /or$ & mobiliz$ )9  
himself1 t he rose1 z ?\gh by nature1 to
 be national *ief executive4 ,x 0       
/raight along ! l9e ( 8 f>-see+ vision &
 advice t ,congress & ! ,nation 7 guid$ 
to accept & und]take t t]rible ent]prise
 ( w>4 ,9 t great /ruggle he came to be 
9 firm reality1 f> m ?an any o!r man1 ! 
compet5t1 effective comm&]-9-*ief4 ,he 0
 *ief c\ncilor 9 a cab9et ^: supreme    
function dealt s+ly ) matt]s :olly      
executive4 ,x 0 by ! almo/ m>vel\s      
unison ( wisdom & decision resid5t 9 him
 t ,congress & ! ,nation 7 day by day   
induc$ to hold ) an almo/ pret]natural  
inflexibility to ! s+le1 sov]eign issue 
( ! /rife4 ,:51 aft] f\r ye>s (         
unexampl$ bitt]ness1 multitudes 7 we>y+ 
( all pati5ce 9 fur!r ho/ilities1 x 0 8 
p]sonal mom5tum & weight1 m ?an any o!r 
influ5ce1 t held ! prevail+ majority ( !
 national electorate to pr$et]m9e by _! 
free ballots t1 at :atev] co/ ( fur!r   
w>1 ! pr9ciples ( lib]ty1 equality1 &   

national integrity %\ld be plac$ above  
all possible *all5ge or assault =ev]4   
,& 9 ! p]iod be=e ! w> & be=e 8         
elevation to ! presid5cy ?is same       
executive effici5cy1 ?is s+ul> capacity 
to mold ! views & /ir ! motives ( o!r   
m51 0 likewise 9 cont9ual demon/ration4 
,disc]n+ h[ supreme a factor 9 our      
,am]ican affairs 0 ! p[] ( public       
s5tim5t1 & obs]v+ h[ t p[] 0 be+ utiliz$
 to und]m9e ! national tranquillity1 he 
*all5g$ & ov]?rew s+le h&$ ! lead+ ma/] 
( ! day 9 ! field ( political managem5t 
& debate4 ,tru/+ 9 ! same confid5ce1 &  
pursu+ ! same device1 he appeal$ to !   
civic consci5ces ( m5 9 ! op5 field (   
free debate1 by ! s+le in/rum5t (       
reason$ spee*1 until1 by 8 p]suad+      
argum5ts1 he consolidat$ into effective 
h>mony & l$ to national victory a p>ty (
 indep5d5t vot]s1 ) wat*word1 plat=m1 & 
exp]i5ce all untri$4 ,9 all ! process by
 :i* t new-=m$ p>ty ga9$ access to      
national pre-em95ce x 0 ,l9coln's gov]n+
 influ5ce t w5t ahead & gave ! movem5t  

/ead9ess4 ,& ?r\gh x all he vitally     
inspir$ a ,nation1 n[ undivid$ &        
indivisible1 ) a prevail+1 corporate    
desire1 t all succe$+ days & all behold+
 ,nations are n[ deem+1 = any /able     
civic life1 ! true endur+ ideal4  ,& all
 ( ?is 0 compass$ & set afoot )9 sc>cely
 m ?an "o decade4 ,9 ,octob] ( #ahed at 
,peoria1 he consci\sly took up 8 /r5u\s 
ent]prise4 ,9 ,april ( #ahfe1 he laid x 
d[n & ceas$ to /rive4 ,s+le h&$ he      
und]took ! task4 ,?r\gh all its progress
 ! weight ( t "o h& 0 und5iably         
prepond]ant4 ,& :5 t h& relax$1 ! task t
 its release left trembl+ 0 "o t /irr$ a
 mighty ,nation's full solicitude4  ,"h 
is some?+ m>vel\s4 ,^! affirmations1 z  
?us f> made1 seem c]ta9ly ov]drawn1 &   
totally incr$ible4 ,an ag5cy & an       
effici5cy ( national dim5sions1         
introduc+ & complet+ an epo* 9 our      
national hi/ory2 b an ag5t & an outfit  
almo/ defy+ inv5tory1 8 p]sonality seem+
 9 e phase s simple & )\t pre/ige1 & all
 8 ways & means seem+ s unpromis+ &     

pla92 ! :ile ?r\gh all 8 c\rse he 0     
confront+ a resi/ance & a ho/ility ^:   
impulse 0 root$ 9 c5turies ( firm & pr\d
 dom9ion1 & ^: onset made a ,nation     
tremble4 ,h[ c su* /up5d\s affirmations 
be clo!d ) cr$ibility8 ,0 x inde$ ! h& (
 ,l9coln t turn$ ! ,nation f its mi/ak5 
pa?8 ,0 x ,l9coln's w t re9augurat$ our 
pr$e/9$ c\rse8 ,0 x ,l9coln's ov]com+   
confid5ce t e/abli%$ 9 ! l& aga9 a good 
assurance t its integrity 0             
inde/ructible8  ,if que/ions su* z ^! 7 
address$ to ,l9coln himself = 8 reply1  
we may be sure 8 answ]1 l all 8 ways1   
w\ld conta9 a beautiful m+l+ ( mode/y & 
confid5ce4 ,he$+ well ! mortal crisis1 &
 he>+ ! ,nation's call = help1 he w\ld n
 refuse1 :5 bidd5 & appo9t$1 to take 8  
/& alone at ! v apex ( ! /ra91 kn[+ well
 t ! burd5s to be borne w\ld be great]  
?an task$ ! /r5g? ( ev5 ,wa%+ton2 &     
affirm+ z he advanc$ w>ily to 8 po/1 t 9
 8 appo9tm5t _m abl] m5 _h be5 pass$ by4
 ,b !n he w\ld re-affirm & urge aga9 all
 ! argum5ts ( 8 great addresses &       

messages & debates1 beg9n+ ) t initial  
trumpet peal 9 ,peoria 9 #ahed1 & n     
conclud+ until1 aft] all _h be5 rehe>s$ 
& reav\*$1 he recit$ aga9 ) prophetic   
e>ne/ness ?is la/ inaugural4 ,& ?r\gh\t 
all 8 dev\t re-affirmation ( all ! spok5
 & writt5 appeals to :i* 8 patriotic m9d
 gave /udi$ =m & utt]ance 9 t int5se    
decade1 a disc]n+ e> c\ld di/+ui% 9 e   
p>agraph pr(\nd & p5etrat+ atte/ations1 
su* z ^!3--,?is is a mighty ,nation4    
,its future is f> m va/4 ,its pres5t    
p]plexities are intricate4 ,x has be5   
misl$4 ,x ne$s mo/ sane direction4 ,i am
 /ation$ at h] head4 ,difficulties      
environ me4 ,my burd5s outweigh         
,wa%+ton's4 ,b ?is l& 0 conceiv$ 9      
lib]ty4 ,x 0 d$icat$ to be free4 ,"h all
 are pe]s4 ,god's h& has be5 on our     
hi/ory4 ,our de/9y enfolds ! highe/     
human weal4 ,god is ) u /ill4 ,human    
he>ts are ) u4 ,"h is ov]com+ p[]4      
,despite my frailty & poor desc5t1 ,i w 
nev] leave my place4 ,i see h[ o!r m5   
prevail ) multitudes by p]sonal appeal4 

,?is %all be my confid5ce4 ,?\gh ,i h no
 "n1 ?\gh !re is p]haps no reason :y ,i 
%\ld ev] h a "n1 ,i c plead4 ,i c plead 
) m54 ,x is a ,godlike art4 ,grave z is 
my problem1 ?is is its gr& solution4 ,i 
w /udy to p]suade4 ,i w take refuge 9 ! 
mighty p[] ( argum5t4 ,i w conf]1 &     
conciliate1 & conv9ce4 ,i w employ my   
reason to ! full4 ,i w address1 &       
assail1 & enli/ ! reason ( o!r m54 ,i w 
put all my tru/ 9 spee*1 9 ord]$1       
reason$ spee*4 ,i w arrange all my      
convictions & hopes & plans 9 argum5ts4 
,i w approa* m5's wills ) mom5t\s       
propositions4 ,i w op5 a pa? to human   
he>ts ?r\gh op5 e>s by my liv+ voice4 ,i
 w make righte\sness vibrate vocally4   
,to m5's v faces w ,i rebuke _! wrong4  
,argum5t1 pure argum5t %all be my only  
weapon1 my only ag5cy1 my only way4 ,by 
nak$ argum5t1 hone/ & unadorn$1 ,i w    
und]take to turn ?is ,nation back to    
rectitude4 ,i w re/ all my confid5ce 9  
tru?1 tru? unalloy$1 abjur+ e c\nt]feit 
& all hypocrisy4 ,x is tru?'s primal &  

mightie/ function to p]suade4 ,?r\gh    
p]suasion alone c freem5 be induc$ by   
freem5 to yield a free ob$i5ce4 ,!      
heav5ly art ( p]suad+ spee* %all be = me
 ! fir/ & ! la/ resort4 ,by ?is mo/     
comely in/rum5t %all my mo/ eag] &      
ambiti\s wi% ga9 access to all ?is      
peopl$ l&1 & w9 v9dication ?r\gh all    
com+ "t4  ,some?+ su* z ?is1 z "o mu/   
judge f ,l9coln's practice1 0 ,l9coln's 
sci5ce & evaluation ( ! art ( logical   
appeal4 ,by e tok5 ,l9coln 0 a ma/] (   
assemblies4 ,^u a public plat=m he 0 9 8
 native elem5t4 ,!re he won 8 place &   
"n4 ,:atev] any "o may say ab\t         
,l9coln's reputation or ,l9coln's p[]1 t
 p[] & t reputation 7 m9$ & m9t$ 9 ! v  
act & ex]cise ( reason+ appeal4 ,z iron 
%>p5e? iron1 s he1 9 ! imm$iate pres5ce 
( audi5ces ( freeborn m51 assembl$ f 8 v
 neighborhood1 %ap$ & edg$ & temp]$ 8   
total influ5ce4 ,x 0 :5 ^u ! hu/+s1 &   
:ile engag$ 9 plead+ spee*1 t he comm&$ 
! ,nation's eye & ga9$ ! ,nation's e>4  
,& once advanc$ to national pre-em95ce1 

x 0 /ill by logical p]suasion t !       
,nation's def]5ce 0 reta9$4  ,:at n[ 0 !
 inn] nature ( ,l9coln's argum5ts8 ,:at 
0 ! fib]1 :at ! texture 9 ! composition 
( 8 ?\ght t made its argum5ts s conv9c+8
 ,:at 0 ! /ructure1 & :at ! c>ry+ p[] 9 
8 appeals t made _! logic s prevail+1 s 
compell+1 s endur+8  ,to f9d an answ] to
 ?is inquiry let m5 review yet once aga9
 ?is la/ inaugural4 ,"h is a product (  
,l9coln's m9d ^: s+le motive is         
p]suasion1 ^: mom5tum does n dim9i%1 &  
:i* seems de/9$ to be adjudg$ by hi/ory 
a ma/]'s ma/]piece4 ,:at does ?is %ort  
spee* conta9 t gave x 9 #ahfe1 & gives x
 yet1 an influ5ce almo/ magical8  ,!re c
 be b "o possible reply4 ,! factor 9 t  
address t makes its influ5ce s imp]ial  
is ! moral maje/y ( ! argum5t 9 its     
major p>agraph4 ,t p>agraph en%r9es an  
argum5t4 ,?\gh fa%ion$ 9 ! mode & aspect
 ( a rev]5t supposition1 ! /eady pace & 
import ( its ord]$ ?\ght is su* z e     
ord]$ m9d admits to be compell+4 ,b 9   
sub/ance & 9 /ructure t argum5t is      

purely e?ical4 ,all turns ^u t cit$1    
und\bt$ fact ( age-long1 unrequit$ toil4
 ,^u t /]n actuality h+es all !         
arrangem5t ( ! ?\ght4 ,its phrases move 
) rhy?mic flu5cy2 b !y b9d toge!r       
insep>ably a ,nation's duty1 s91 & doom2
 n omitt+ to enfold1 ) a m>vel ( moral  
insight1 an almo/ hidd5 intimation ( a  
heal+ cure4  ,"h are weighty ?\ghts1    
?\ghts t press & urge1 ?\ghts t c>ry &  
communicate ! gravity ( c5turies4 ,!y   
conta9 an int]pretation4 ,!y cl>ify &   
illum9ate4 ,& !y all co-ord9ate4 ,!y    
comb9e & op]ate toge!r to en=ce         
agreem5t4 ,!y demon/rate t tyranny bre$s
 a baleful prog5y ( guilt & woe2 t      
robb]y b9ds ! robb] "u debt to ! full   
measure ( 8 rap9e2 t su* guilt c nev] be
 =gott52 t su* a woe is pitiless2 t !   
c5turies1 ?\gh sl[ & mute1 are att5tive 
& imp>tial witnesses2 & t ,god's ev5    
judgm5ts are ov] all1 & are altoge!r j4 
,?is is all ! cont5t & all ! purport (  
?is p>agraph1 & ( all ?is spee*3 an     
exposition ( ,am]ican slav]y & ( its    

resultant civil w>1 9 moral t]ms1 be=e !
 moral b> ( e he>]'s consci5ce1 & b5ea? 
! ?\ght ( ,god's et]nal righte\sness2   
all turn+ ^u ! self-evid5t v]ity t      
unpaid toil is wrong4 ,9 ?is prolific   
affirmation is ! f]tile g]m ( all t     
,l9coln ev] ?\ght or und]took 9 t       
supreme decade4 ,"h are enfold$ all 8   
axioms & po/ulates & propositions4 ,by  
int]lock+ its multi=m1 infold$1         
self-evid5t c]titudes he fram$ all 8    
argum5ts4 ,its ov]fl[+1 resi/less       
demon/rations 9 active human affairs =m$
 all 8 coroll>ies4 ,toil unrequit$ is a 
moral wrong4 ,x cries to heav51 & %all  
be av5g$4 ,9 ?is av5g+1 if we b see our 
day1 !re is an op5 door to jo9 ) heav51 
& transmute its v5geance into recomp5se 
& reconciliation4  ,?is 0 ,l9coln's     
logic4 ,x 0 purely e?ical4 ,?is 0 !     
ma/]-key to 8 transc5d5t /atesman%ip4   
,"h 0 ! secret ( 8 political effici5cy4 
,?us1 & 9 no o!r way1 he sway$ !        
,nation4 ,himself a ,godlike man1 &     
disc]n+ 9 e o!r man ! same ,godlik5ess2 

tru/+ 8 own s\l's hone/y1 & appeal+ to  
hone/ manhood 9 all o!r m52 he took 8 /&
 beside all ! oppress$1 & aga9/ all     
extortion2 & voic$ & urg$ & tru/$ !     
sov]eign moral plea = p]fect *>ity1 &   
p]fect equity = all4  ,b ,l9coln's logic
 0 int]lac$ ) hi/ory4 ,all ?r\gh 8      
debates & addresses are wov5 ! facts &  
sequ5ces ( our national c>e]4 ,& to ^!  
connect$ ev5ts he clung 9 all 8         
argum5ts1 z a man cl+s to ! honor ( 8   
home4 ,!re 0 9 ^? ev5ts an argum5t4 ,to 
tamp] ) t hi/ory1 discr$it+ its sure    
occurr5ces1 or di/ort+ _! "r connection1
 0 9 8 conception a d[nright immorality4
  ,b m]e hi/orical exactitude 0 n !     
motive ( ,l9coln's appeal to pa/ ev5ts4 
,! mom5tum ( our pa/ 0 = ,l9coln's use  
entirely moral4 ,"h ^u ?is cont95t1 z he
 conceiv$ our great exp]im5t1 0 be+     
tri$1 9 ! pres5ce & on behalf ( all     
mank9d1 a gov]nm5t 9 :i* ! gov]n$ 7 !   
gov]nors4 ,"h m5 are inquir+ & be+      
taught :at true manhood c create1       
uphold1 & consummate ^u a cont95tal     

scale1 9 mutual equality4 ,"h m5 are    
s*ool$ = indep5d5ce4 ,"h m5 may d>e to  
fa%ion _! own law4 ,"h m5 are nurtur$   
t[>ds full frat]nity4 ,"h m5 are =c$ to 
he$ ! civic necessity ( be+ fair4 ,"h a 
b\ndless imp5d+ future has to be kept   
/eadily 9 view4 ,"h ! ,god ( ,nations is
 tea*+ a ,nation t he %\ld be rev]$4    
,"h1 9 brief & 9 sum1 m5 are be+        
discipl9$ to "k & *]i% ! rudim5ts (     
civic "*4  ,?us ,l9coln int]pret$ !     
mean+ ( our national hi/ory4 ,9 8 rat+1 
its total purport 0 e?ical4 ,any logical
 exposition ( our national c>e]1 if its 
/atem5ts are hi/orically exact1 w c>ry  
moral consequ5ces4 ,if ! logical sequ5ce
 ( any /atem5t ( our hi/orical c\rse is 
morally p]v]se1 !n t /atem5t ( our      
hi/ory is hi/orically untrue4 ,?us      
,l9coln's jeal\s ze/ = tru?ful hi/ory1 =
 tru?ful argum5t1 & = true morality     
became co9cid5t4  ,b ,l9coln's logic 0 8
 own4 ,8 zeal = hi/ory 0 a freeman's    
ze/4 ,8 argum5ts 7 n ! cold reflection (
 a borr[$ light4 ,!y 7 ! f]vid          

affirmations ( 8 own convictions1       
compact$ into reason$ unison1 out ( !   
indivisible con/itu5ts ( 8 v manhood's  
honor4 ,:5 9 8 appeal 8 s\l mo/ gl[$1 :5
 ! ord]$ sequ5ce & pressure ( 8 ?\ght   
wax$ irresi/ible1 he 0 simply op5+ to 8 
auditors ! balanc$ burd5 ( 8 hone/ he>t4
 ,!n g5u9e manhood became articulate4   
,!n pure honor f\nd a voice4 ,!n        
eloqu5ce became naught b pla9 s9c]ity4  
,!n argum5ts became transp>5t1 &        
affirmations conv9c$ l axioms4 ,!n      
demon/rations mov$4 ,ass]tions did      
p]suade4 ,!n ! v be+ ( ! orator took    
possession ( ! auditor 9 an intellig5t  
frat]nity4 ,true1 inde$1 a solid ,s\?1 &
 multitudes besides1 d]id$ 8 po/ulates1 
contemn$ 8 argum5ts1 & scorn$ d]isively 
8 t5d]e/ appeals4 ,b bett] ?an !y       
!mselves he und]/ood _! he>ts2 & hold+  
fa/ =ev] 8 deep] fai? & confid5ce1 he   
ma9ta9$ 8 reason+ & 8 plea1 kn[+ surely 
t 9 "s future day _! *a/5$ he>ts w\ld   
v9dicate 8 words4  ,b 9 all ( ?is       
exposition ( ,l9coln's logical =ce &    

skill !re has be5 no m5tion ( a         
syllogism4 ,did ,l9coln !n neglect t    
fam\s =mula ( argum5tative address8 ,to 
?is natural inquiry x mu/ be repli$ t   
,l9coln und]/ood "r well ! f9e utility (
 ?is /rict norm ( =mal ?\ght4 ,inde$1 he
 _h tak5 special pa9s to p]fect 8 skill 
9 j t =m ( argum5t4 ,to ! logical click 
9 a well-=m$ syllogism 8 inn] e> 0 well 
attun$4 ,repeat$ly he summon$ 9 its aid4
 ,an excell5t illu/ration may be se5 9 8
 rejo9d] to ,d\glas at ,galesburg 9     
,septemb] ( #aheh4 ,b ,l9coln's         
confid5ce 0 n 9 syllogi/ic =ms1 h[ev]   
trim4 ,8 tru/ 0 9 8 moral axioms4       
,unaid$1 nak$ tru?2 tru? ^: total urg5cy
 is self-conta9$1 ^: p]fect v]ity is    
self-display$1 & ^: pr\de/ triumphs are 
self-a*iev$2 pure tru?1 %ap$ =? 9 spee* 
( absolute simplicity2 tru? t works     
directly 9 ! human m9d1 l sun%9e 9 !    
eye1 0 ,l9coln's h&ie/ & mo/ common     
in/rum5t 9 an argum5t4 ,?us he s\ght to 
s use reason z to awak5 consci5ce &     
ar\se ! w4 ,& ?us 8 argum5ts prevail$4  

,?is 0 ,l9coln's logic4 ,x 0 ! ord]ly   
exposition ( 8 hone/ manhood1 plead+ ) !
 hone/ intellig5ce ( e o!r man = 8 free 
ass5t4 ,himself a freeman :om ,god made 
free1 & greet+ 9 e o!r man an equal     
dignity2 ) loyalty to himself & ) *>ity 
= all2 ) ,godly def]5ce & unfail+ hope2 
he urg$ & argu$ f 8 own true manhood1 & 
f no o!r gr\nds1 ) a logic t no true    
freeman c ev] refute3 t 9 ?is heav5     
favor$ l&1 & = ! welf>e ( all ! _w1 ^!  
e?ical f\ndations ( all true civic      
welf>e be kept unmov$ =ev]4 ,9 su* a    
moral "*1 & 9 su* a moral argum5t is ?is
 exp&+ ,nation's only pride & sure      
def5se4 ,at any mod]n ,r\nd ,table (    
civic knights ,l9coln is true ,k+       
,ar?ur1 & 8 p]suad+ spee* ! true        
,excalibur4   ,,8 ,,p]sonality--,,!     
,,problem ,,( ,,psy*ology  ,:5 ,plato   
took 8 p5 to write 8 dialogues2 :5      
,mi*ael ,angelo took 8 *isel to fa%ion 8
 ,moses2 :5 ,raphael took 8 bru% to pa9t
 8 ,madonna2 !y 7 design+ to make _!    
sev]al ideals ( p]sonality pre-em95tly  

beautiful & di/9ct4 ,& ea* arti/ 9 8 way
 won a signal1 a supreme success4       
,moses1 ,socrates1 ! ,madonna1 are %9+  
revelations ( human p]sonality4 ,success
 h]e9 is ! height ( highe/ art4  ,b :at 
is p]sonality8 ,x seems an et]nal       
secret1 despite all human se>* & art4   
,yet its secret is ev]y:]e felt         
in/9ctively to be ( all que/s ! mo/     
supreme4 ,by e av5ue m5 are try+ to rea*
 & reveal its hid+ place4 ,our goal is  
no?+ less ?an ! human s\l4 ,& ^u ?is    
inque/ ! eyes & in/rum5ts ( our         
inspection are be+ %>p5$ ) a det]m9ation
 & zeal hi!rto unp>allel$4  ,suppose ?is
 que/ be turn$ to ,l9coln4 ,surely "h is
 a human p]son4 ,he /&s en\gh ap>t 9 8  
preem95ce to be pre-em95tly di/+ui%able 
& di/9ct2 :ile yet 8 face beams ne>     
en\gh to be z famili> & accessible z our
 mo/ accessible & famili> fri5d4 ,=     
surely1 despite all 8 pron5ess t[>ds a  
mus+ solitude1 ,l9coln1 ( all ,am]icans1
 displays ?r\gh all 8 publi%$ /atem5ts1 
& 9 all 8 public life1 an in/ructive &  

un/udi$ op5ness & unres]ve4 ,j "h 8     
m>vel\s p[] & influ5ce lie4 ,he practic$
 no concealm5t4 ,he held communion ) all
 8 fell[m54 ,h]e9 consi/s 8 hone/y4  ,n[
 may n an hone/ s*ol>%ip1 hone/ly       
conceiv+ t ( all inve/igations our      
pursuit = ! ways & dwell+ place (       
p]sonality is easily supreme1 z hone/ly 
believe t 9 ! op51 wait+ he>t ( ,l9coln 
t supreme inquiry may f9d its supreme   
rew>d8 ,surely "h is promise ( a labor t
 w pay4 ,9 ,l9coln's p]sonality is a    
ve91 a m9e ^: wor? & sure utility no    
m9]al weal? c p>allel4  ,:at 9 v tru?1  
:at 9 solid fact1 :at 9 absolute reality
 is ,l9coln's p]sonality8 ,= und5iably 9
 fac+ & reg>d+ him1 we confront &       
appreh5d a human life1 compact &        
self-controll$1 ! native home & ?rone ( 
all ! consci\s & self-direct$ en]gies t 
are ev] resid5t )9 & repres5tative ( any
 man4 ,if human p]sonality ev] took     
evid5t & consci\s %ape & =m1 !n ,l9coln 
is an op5 & easily approa*able          
illu/ration ( its embodim5t4 ,^u no     

object may a /ud5t ( psy*ology m easily 
or m wisely fix 8 eye ?an ^u ! s\l (    
,l9coln1 :5 x ?rills 9 resolute1 int5se 
endeavor1 z 9 ?is la/ inaugural4  ,= "o 
?+1 t ,l9coln %\ld be ! specim5 (       
psy*ology comm&+ any /ud5t's *oice is   
sugge/$ by ,l9coln's notability4 ,"h is 
an exhibit 9 no way ord9>y4 ,he has     
secur$ ! att5tion ( u all4 ,& ! att5tion
 ( u all is a?rill ) mighty int]e/4     
,h[ev] x has come ab\t1 9 "s way1 z a   
human p]sonality1 he illu/rates a type1 
he pres5ts a sample s p[]ful & positive 
z to /& be=e all eyes almo/ alone1 :ile 
also s attractive z to be by ev]yone    
belov$4 ,?is fact may fairly beget      
assurance f ! />t t 9 any he$ful se>* = 
! v sub/ance ( human p]sonality1 an     
int]ior & intimate fell[%ip ) ,l9coln   
may %[ u closely & cle>ly :]e x dwells1 
& :at x is4 ,= f ! />t x /&s pla9 t     
,l9coln's hold ^u our he>ts is 9 its    
controll+ co-effici5ts purely p]sonal4  
,t hold cl+s fa/ & spreads af>1         
indiff]5t to space1 or "t1 or ev5 dea?4 

,8 influ5ce ov] u1 s gladly welcom$ & s 
cle>ly felt1 is no wise physical or     
temporal4 ,x _c be h&l$ or weigh$4 ,x is
 p]sonal4 ,h]e9 is high enc\ragem5t4 ,& 
t 9 ?is s5se ( our response to 8 endur+ 
sway %\ld be enfold$ on our "p1 a k9dr$1
 pure1 endur+ delight atte/s conv9c+ly t
 )9 ,l9coln's p]sonality & our own !re  
is some?+ mutual4 ,)9 ! ?+ we se>* & u  
:o seek !re is pr(\nd aff9ity4 ,9 ?is   
our enc\ragem5t may height51 & t ) solid
 sob]ness1 unto hope4  ,& !n ! sc5e (   
?is 8 la/ inaugural is all agl[ )       
promise4 ,= "h if any:]e ,l9coln's      
p]sonality may be se5 engag$ 9 ! rip5ess
 ( 8 f9i%$ discipl9e1 & ! fullness ( 8  
manhood's /r5g?4 ,! sc5e itself swells  
full ( mean+2 & ,l9coln's "p &          
contribution fix & fill ! c5t] ( its    
significance4 ,surely if any?+ )9 t sc5e
 is pla9 to see & localize1 x is        
,l9coln's own id5tity4 ,! liv+ ,l9coln  
is surely !re1 :olly unres]v$ &         
unconceal$4 ,!re ,l9coln's p]sonality is
 9 fulle/ play1 an evid5t & mighty      

revelation1 pla9ly felt & se54  ,b x is 
only 9 ! action t ! actor comes to view2
 only 9 8 words does ! ?9k] /& reveal$4 
,"h & ?us1 & n[h]e else or o!rwise1 is  
,l9coln's p]sonality unveil$4 ,& yet    
h]e91 )9 ! compass ( ?is spee*1 ,l9coln 
unlades a burd5 ( su* grave conc]n1 &   
unrolls a problem ( su* pr(\nd          
complexity z c\ld n[h]e come to bir? &  
utt]ance b 9 a mighty human he>t4 ,9 !  
va/ness ( t problem & anxiety c be gaug$
 ! va/ness ( ! measure ( t he>t4 ,"h op5
 into imm$iate view at once an object & 
a me?od ( rese>*1 fitt$ at once to      
*all5ge & appall ! brave/ /ud5t's he>t4 
,b once its summons is di/+ui%$1 x is   
irresi/ible4  ,"o ?+ t meets ! /ud5t1 z 
he seeks ! speak] 9 ?is spee*1 is its   
witness to 8 titanic & pa!tic toil4 ,!  
words he utt]s are ! message ( a labor] 
f> =esp5t1 voic$ ) m+l$ we>9ess & hope1 
well t[>ds ! sunset ( a we>y day4 ,! sun
 _h be5 fi]cely hot4 ,! field _h be5    
full ( ?orns4 ,& ?r\gh ! arid h\rs he _h
 ta/$ little food1 or re/1 or joy4 ,no  

husb&man ev] *ose 8 se$ or till$ 8 gr\nd
 at great] co/ ( pati5t c>e4 ,none ev]  
_h to b5d 8 frame to rud] wea!r1 or     
battle aga9/ m malici\s & p]si/5t pe/s4 
,& all ! agony ( t toil _h be5 wr\ght   
?r\gh )9 ! angui% ( 8 m9d4 ,9 exacte/ & 
exact+ ?\ght he _h engross$ & consum$ ! 
full measure ( 8 full /r5g?4 ,on all he 
_h to be> & d he pond]$ mightily4 ,no   
mortal ev] pond]$ m int5tly on all t    
mortals ev] h to meet4 ,9 ?is inaugural 
sc5e ! s\l ( ,l9coln is /ra9+ at its    
full /r5g?4 ,no portion ( 8 p]sonal life
 is idl+4 ,if a /ud5t's h& is truly     
deft1 he c feel1 z he f+]s ! ?robb+ life
 ( ?is address1 ! pulse beats ( a full  
he>t4  ,& )9 ! grasp & compass ( t he>t 
are revolv+ va/ & /r5u\s !mes4 ,! s\l ( 
,l9coln is deal+ ) a ,nation's de/9y4 ,8
 spee* is borne ^u 8 s+le voice2 b ) t  
s+le voice he pleads = millions2 & its  
vibrations c>ry ?r\gh a cont95t1 z a    
national oracle4 ,exp\nd] & def5d] ( !  
,nation's vital honor1 beleagu]$ all    
ab\t ) w>1 di/ress$ by all oppression1  

eag] ) a sacrificial passion t all m5   
ev]y:]e may h lib]ty & an equal %>e 9   
equity1 se>*+ = a j & /able basis = !   
_w's tranquillity1 z he /&s & /rives    
?r\gh\t t spee* ! /ructure ( 8 s\l gr[s 
lum9\s4 ,z he /udi$ ,provid5ce & scann$ 
! gr\nds ( gov]nm5t2 z he pe]$ f> into !
 deeps ( fre$om1 ! maje/y ( duty1 & !   
sanctions ( inviolable law2 z he pond]$ 
! nature ( et]nal "r1 & ! deadly mis*ief
 ( moral wrong2 z he wat*$ ! ways ( hate
 & pride & falsity & s5sual delights1 he
 0 n alone compact+ ! sub/ance & ord] ( 
?is immortal address2 b 9 ! %apely body 
( 8 argum5t he has embodi$ & uncov]$ 8  
hone/1 guileless he>t4 ,9 ! v sc>s &    
seams ^u 8 sorr[-%ad[$ face1 z he       
ov]comes 8 task & fills out 8 duty 9 ?is
 address1 disc]n+ eyes c see ?r\gh !    
furnace ( h[ deep ref9em5t 8 humble &   
maje/ic s\l has be5 =ev] beautifi$4     
,trans=m+ !mes possess$ 8 m9d4 ,by !    
m9i/ry & inn] influ5ce ( ^! !mes he grew
 to be trans=m$2 & 9 ! process & issue (
 t *ange ! outl9e & texture ( 8 inn] be+

 becomes traceable4  ,& ( ?is inn]      
revelation ! mo/ notable m>k is its     
simplicity4 ,z 9 ?is spee* 8 inn] life  
is introduc$1 its texture is n p]plex+ &
 intricate4 ,x is p]fectly appreh5sible4
 ,! total spee* c be quickly scann$4    
,its s5tim5ts b>ely get y\r full        
att5tion be=e !y are at an end4 ,its    
entire compass c be compreh5d$ 9 a s+le 
glance4 ,its :ole sum c be review$ 9 a  
s+le brea?4 ,& /ill its !mes &          
propositions are imp]ial4 ,)9 its f9e   
simplicity its /atel9ess /&s uneclips$4 
,h5ce its m>vel\s p[] to comm&4 ,^u all 
:o look & li/51 its action & appeal are 
l ! dawn+ ( a day4 ,its major           
propositions are ass5t$ to unconsci\sly4
 ,x works l light4 ,x is g5ial1 w9some1 
cle>4 ,& x is irresi/ible4 ,x moves4 ,x 
rules4 ,x is an argum5t1 ! ord]$ appeal 
( a c&id1 e>ne/ m9d to ! reason$ ?\ght (
 hone/ m54 ,g5tle & mode/ ?r\gh\t1 x    
conta9s & conveys compell+ en]gy4 ,x has
 ! /urd9ess ( a h>dy oak4 ,& yet its    
fir/ appe>+ 0 l a new unfold+ ( our     

flag4 ,x is a k+ly ^w1 alike 9 la/+     
beauty & endur+ /r5g?4 ,9 ?is !re is    
surely "s sure reflection ( t hidd5 man 
)91 ,l9coln's real1 undy+ self4  ,& ?is 
/ill fur!r may be said4 ,amid ^!        
sov]eign int]e/s & affirmations _! ag5t 
is ?us employ$ ( 8 own free *oice4 ,he  
is no automaton4 ,! ,l9coln :om we seek1
 ! ,l9coln :om ?is address is help+ u to
 see c nev] be def9$ by physical t]ms4  
,?r\gh ! realm ( physics ?+s move z !y  
are mov$4 ,l9coln 9 ?is address moves & 
guides & gov]ns himself4 ,& he is "h    
self-judg$4 ,?is inaugural teems ) moral
 v]dicts1 v]dicts t def9e et]nal issues 
irrevocably4 ,no high] function ?an ?is 
c be imag9$ 9 any sph]e ( be+1 or 9 any 
=m4 ,^! v]dicts ,l9coln fa/5s ^u        
himself4 ,& be=e ! same complete        
au?ority he summons ! :ole ,nation to   
b[4 ,deep )9 ^? v]dicts !re ?robs       
omnipot5tly a s5se ( moral duty1 moral  
"r1 man's highe/ good & goal4 ,?is ideal
 ( :at %\ld be /&s evid5t 9 ?is         
inaugural 9 ,l9coln's own humble        

con=mity ) ,god1 9 8 own unimpea*able   
integrity1 9 8 unres]v$ b5evol5ce1 & 9 8
 pure e/eem = s\ls4 ,9 ea* "o ( ^!      
con/itu5ts ( human duty ,l9coln sees    
un*all5geable au?ority4 ,= ! honor ( ea*
 "o he deems himself responsible4 ,_!   
m+l$ rays create ! light 9 :i* he writes
 ?is spee*1 by :i* ?is spee* is read1 & 
"u ^: cle> radiance he records 8 oa?4   
,surely "h are m ?an h9ts = any "o1 :o  
seeks to see j :]e ?is spee* orig9ates1 
& mo/ precisely h[ its au?or may be     
def9$4  ,)9 ?is la/ prec$+ p>agraph "o  
feels aga9 ! pres5ce & ! movem5t ( all t
 all ! *apt]s ( ?is volume h conta9$4   
,h]e9 we seem to face a sort ( f9al     
syn!sis ( all our /udy4 ,if ?is be true1
 or only true approximately1 !n its face
 & cont5ts %\ld be scrut9iz$ until !y   
are cle>$ ( e %ad[ or alloy4 ,= ?is     
rese>* is surely approa*+ its goal1 & "s
 ( its b\nd>ies may surely be def9$4    
,"o l9e t %[s indelibly is 8            
intellig5ce2 an intellig5ce compreh5d+  
total c5turies1 & assembl+ )9 its scope 

extreme div]sities2 an intellig5ce t has
 a pi]c+ eye1 acute to di/+ui% & divide2
 an intellig5ce t has p[] to e/imate1   
comp>e1 & summ>ize2 an intellig5ce      
intol]ant ( error1 & eag] aft] tru?2 an 
intellig5ce t c frame an argum5t design$
 to cl>ify1 conv9ce1 & w9 all o!r m9ds2 
an intellig5ce t assumes to deal ) ,god1
 receiv+ & reflect+ )9 its own int]ior &
 prop] vision a revelation ( ! div9e    
int5t4 ,"h is an en]gy1 at once         
receptive & orig9al1 fitt$ m>vel\sly = a
 reflection t c embrace & au?orize      
et]nal tru?4  ,?is intellig5ce is )9    
control4 ,x is n a vagrant or unguid$   
=ce4 ,x is "u conduct1 all its action to
 obs]ve1 inspect1 & e/imate be+ ord]$   
reasonably4 ,& all ?is influ5ce op]at+  
to und]/& & c\nsel1 all ?is wisdom1 :ile
 ga!r+ light & sub/ance f ev]y:]e1 is   
in=m$ )91 & wond]fully self-conta9$4 ,z 
,l9coln reasons 9 ?is inaugural1 z he   
resolves & purifies 8 argum5t1 its p[]  
to conv9ce is mo/ intimate & deep )9    
himself4 ,z he guides & %apes 8 ?\ghts =

 ! ?\ght ( o!r m51 ! convictions )9 !   
speak]1 & _! p[] to p]suade1 s inwr\ght 
9 ! spee*1 become id5tical4 ,9 8 own    
cons5t *oice & judgm5t are comb9$4 ,"h  
is fre$om inde$1 a fre$om to disc]n z   
truly z to *oose1 to di/+ui% z truly z  
to decide1 to e/imate z truly z to      
select1 ! fre$om ( ! intellig5ce1 an    
intellig5ce t is truly free4  ,?is      
fre$om fa%ions "*4 ,x is a moral        
ar*itect4 ,x is orig9al1 able to create4
 ,! au?or ( ?is spee* is self-produc$4  
,! p]sonality t comes to view among ^?  
words is self-det]m9$ & self-made4 ,its 
plan 0 sket*$ by 8 own h&4 ,8 position &
 8 po/ure1 8 s5tim5ts & 8 sympa?ies1 8  
b5t & incl9ation1 8 moral po/ulates &   
axioms1 8 moral /amp & tr5d & tone1 8   
/ability & moral /urd9ess are all 8 own 
inv5tion1 orig9ally1 ess5tially1        
insep>ably 8 own4 ,l9coln's "* is       
,l9coln's h&icraft4 ,its title ve/s 9   
him4 ,x nev] 01 nor c\ld x ev] become ! 
prop]ty ( ano!r man4 ,?is all m5        
recognize4 ,b ?is univ]sal recognition  

is pregnant ) significance to any seek] 
amid ! ph5om5a ( ,l9coln's life = !     
sub/ance ( 8 p]sonality4 ,some:]e )9 ^? 
/atem5ts j n[ made1 some:]e )9 ,l9coln's
 consci\s au?or%ip & inv5tion ( 8 moral 
wor? is preci\s intimation ( ! :]eab\ts 
& con/itution ( 8 p]sonality4  ,?is bl5d
 9 ,l9coln ( fre$om & intellig5ce1 (    
lib]ty & sanity is notable = its        
ev5ness4 ,l9coln's lib]ty is n *im]ical 
or riot\s4 ,x is regulat$1 ord]ly1 real4
 ,)9 himself & ov] 8 full de/9y1 an     
unimpea*able sov]eign ?\gh he is1 he is 
n prone t[>ds wilfulness1 b t[>ds       
composure & sobriety4 ,he moves z "o    
fa/-held b5ea? ! law t = all 8 movem5ts 
he w be acc\ntable4 ,he always we>s !   
mi5 ( "o :o c>ries high                 
responsibilities4 ,f> f be+ arbitr>y1 he
 behaves z fac+ )9 himself a c\rt (     
arbitration1 truly self-inve/$1 & j z   
truly sov]eign4 ,( all 8 words & de$s & 
attitudes he is himself self-con/itut$1 
rev]5d judge4 ,:e!r seek+ to resolve a  
d\bt1 or wait+ to receive a v]dict1 8   

appeal is f9ally to himself4 ,?is is 8  
mood & po/ure 9 ?is inaugural4 ,he is   
giv+ an op9ion4 ,?is sc5e is a lit]al   
crisis 9 a review 9 :i* a ,nation's     
hi/ory & del9qu5cy h met incisive1      
balanc$ exam9ation1 to ! end t 8 own    
view ( duty z presid5t might come cle>  
to 8 own judicial eye1 & all ga9 !      
approbation ( all mank9d4 ,9 8 l(tie/   
orig9ality1 :]e 8 consci\s p[] & "r to  
elect ! pa? he takes is mo/ self-evid5t1
 ! way he takes is also own$ to be an   
unimpea*able obligation4 ,"h is ano!r   
signal h9t = ! seek] aft] ! liv+ & abid+
 s\rce ( ,l9coln's words & de$s4        
,some:]e )9 ?is s5se ( duty1 s sane &   
free & s]i\s1 lives ! v ,l9coln :om we  
seek4  ,?is judicial ev5ness )9 ! free &
 reason$ movem5ts ( ,l9coln's action &  
argum5t is due to a balanc$ /ore ( moral
 balla/4 ,8 /alw>t m9d & /urdy w &      
/eadfa/ consci\sness t duty b9ds 8 life 
/& leagu$ toge!r 9 a p>tn]%ip employ+   
inf9ite weal?4 ,) ^! res\rces he daily  
v5tures va/ inve/m5ts4 ,?is spee* is su*

 a v5ture1 lad5 ) mo/ goodly m]*&ise4   
,inde$ he v5tures "h1 z ev]y:]e1 8 all4 
,8 fe> ( ,god1 8 self-respect1 8        
neighbor love1 8 ?ir/ = ?+s t la/--^!   
are ! priceless treasure he exam9es ) a 
se>*+ insight1 e/imates ) judicial      
c>efulness1 enjoys ) s\l-fill+          
admiration1 & !n responsibly inve/s4 ,on
 ^! & ^! alone he *ooses & resolves to  
seek returns4 ,^! are ! only seas :]e   
sail 8 %ips4 ,"h is all 8 m]*&ise4 ,"h  
is ! only ex*ange :]e ,l9coln ev]       
resorts4 ,"h & "h alone c "o make       
computation ( 8 weal?4 ,if he has       
wisdom1 x is "h4 ,"h is all 8 lib]ty4   
,"h is a full regi/] ( 8 life's acc\nts1
 & ( 8 full acc\ntability4 ,"h are all 8
 goodly pe>ls4 ,^! are ! jewels t       
delight 8 he>t4 ,& if only /ud5ts h !   
eye to see1 )9 ?is joy deep secrets are 
reveal$4  ,j "h ?is /udy has to pause4  
,= :ile x seems to be fac+ /raight = t 9
 ,l9coln :i* is inn]mo/--8 ess5tial &   
immortal self1 transc5d+ all ! m]e      
ph5om5a ( life--& /&+ :]e no?+ int]v5es 

betwe5 our eag] se>* & 8 /eadfa/ s\l1 ! 
outlook1 z x is scann$ by diff]5t eyes1 
reflects 9 diff]5t m9ds _w-wide         
div]sity4 ,l9coln sees ?is diff]5ce1 &  
deals ) x 9 ?is spee*4 ,he kn[s 8 *os5  
e/imates ( ,god & man & gov]nm5t1 (     
pray] & equity & happ9ess1 ( "r & wrong 
& p5alty1 awake res5tful prote/4 ,j "h 8
 manhood %[s its bre$4 ,)\t res5tm5t1 b 
)\t surr5d]1 he takes & keeps 8 oa?1    
expect+ t ,god1 humanity1 & "t w        
v9dicate 8 insight & 8 *oice4 ,?is      
valiant expectation /&s today fulfill$1 
a comm&+ te/imony t ,l9coln's           
p]sonality1 ?\gh s simply *ildlike 9 its
 e trait1 has maje/ic p]man5ce &        
compreh5sion4 ,its inmo/ attributes1 z  
purifi$ 9 him1 reflect & cl>ify to o!r  
s\ls1 h[ev] opposite & ho/ile !y may    
seem1 _! own ess5tial & endur+ rank4    
,?is gives po9t$ intimation t 9         
,l9coln's consci\s life1 deep und]nea? 8
 daily words & de$s1 !re is a consci\s  
unity1 ! v seat ( fre$om & law1 a %r9e (
 rev]5ce1 an alt> ( love1 a ?rone (     

tru?1 a f\nta9-head ( purity--a unity t 
no antagoni/ c ov]come1 t nei!r "t nor  
dea? c decompose4  ,b an objection /ill 
p]si/s4 ,"s man w say t ! se>* =        
,l9coln's p]sonality1 z ?us f> c>ri$ on1
 has only dealt ) e?ics1 :]eas rese>* 9 
p]sonality is at bottom a problem ( pure
 psy*ology2 & t 9 pure psy*ology !      
position holds impregnable t naught     
b5ea? m5's words & de$s c ev] be        
disc]n$2 t naught inde$ is real = ?is   
inve/igation b s5sible ph5om5a2 t a     
human s\l is some?+ x is impossible to  
place4  ,?is matt] pla9ly claims        
respect4 ,z an objection x is invet]ate2
 & :5ev] urg$1 x ga9s wide he$4 ,9      
treat+ ) x "s ?+s rise up = he>+4 ,to   
beg9 )1 ! intimation cit$ 9 ! =m]       
p>agraph w honor pond]+4 ,?\gh t        
p>agraph is int5t on e?ics 9 its e ^w1  
no p>agraph 9 all ! volume m /rictly s1 
/ill its /atem5ts cle> m gr\nd ?an a    
s+le ha/y glance is liable accurately to
 survey4 ,x is conc]n$ ) e?ics          
truly--aga9 be t conc$$4 ,b 9 no conc]n 

( morals :atsoev] did ,l9coln vacate    
intellig5ce4 ,nev] 0 pure intellig5ce m 
intellectually engag$ ?an :5 ,l9coln's  
m9d 0 scann+ moral problems4 ,9 su*     
engagem5ts ,l9coln's total be+ 0        
occupi$4 ,& if amid ! clu/]+ multitudes 
( moral judgm5ts & decisions t att5d 8  
moral inquiries & activities1 !re is    
witness to ! pres5ce ( a freeborn judge 
^: id5tity rema9s cont9u\sly &          
consci\sly s+le & ! same1 t fact %$s    
se>*+ light ^u ! problem ) :i* ?is      
p>agraph deals4  ,let "o li/5 aga9 to   
?is address--li/5 ) a due int5tness z x 
speaks ( ,union & de/ruction & def5se2 (
 bondage & la% & unpaid toil2 ( (f5d]s1 
(f5ses & woe2 ( malice & *>ity & "r2 (  
,god & ,bible & pray]2 ( wid[s & orphans
 & w\nds2 ( w> & sorr[ & peace2 (       
,nations & c5turies & ,provid5ce4 ,"h   
are trilogies & trag$ies & mill5niums1 9
 e?ics & religion & philosophy--b borne 
f p]i%+ lips to p]i%+ e>s ^u ! p]i%+    
vehicle ( a pass+ brea?4 ,?is human     
brea? is frail1 ^! human words are fa9t1

 ?is sc5e bur/s =? & vani%es4 ,b ^?     
trilogies6 ,!y are m ?an flitt+ words1 &
 %ift+ sc5es1 & dy+ brea?4 ,! actor     
outla/s ! sc5e2 ! speak] outlives 8 ^w2 
! mortal brea? is n ! measure ( ! man4  
,he by :om ^! massive trilogies 7 m>%al$
 & deploy$ be=e a national audi5ce1 ^u a
 ,nation's /age1 to =m a national       
spectacle1 & exp\nd a ,nation's hi/ory1 
does n p]i% ) 8 brea?1 nor vani% ) ?is  
sc5e4 ,be=e1 )9 & aft]w>ds he lives1    
pre-arrang+1 fulfill+ & surviv+ ?is     
mighty drama ( 8 life1 mightily resembl+
 ,god4 ,a spee* & sc5e l ?is be> witness
 to an au?or & actor outdat+ & outrank+ 
bo? sc5e & spee*4 ,an au?or looms )9 ?is
 spee*1 self-mov$1 creative1 free4 ,an  
actor moves )9 ?is sc5e1 self-made1     
poetic1 uncon/ra9$4 ,spee* & sc5e1 voice
 & =m are n ! man4 ,^! are b 8 fad+     
ve/ure4 ,deep )9 ^? solemn trilogies1 z 
)9 a k+ly robe1 convey+ to 8 ve/m5t all 
its dignity1 ?\gh all unse5 among its   
%apely folds1 /&s ,l9coln's liv+1       
,godlike self4 ,x 0 to ?is ! p paid _!  

def]5ce4 ,?r\gh ^? cle> syllables t came
 to utt]ance ^u ^? mortal lips x 0      
,l9coln's immortal s\l t became         
articulate4 ,9 ^? r++ acc5ts ,l9coln's  
self became id5tifi$4 ,if ev] a human   
p]sonality cross$ a human /age1 n z     
actor e*o+ ! words & attitudes ( o!r m51
 b z an au?or & creator1 fulfill+ )9    
himself1 9 ,god's fe>1 on o!r m5's      
behalf1 & ) an eye to dea?less de/9ies1 
8 own responsible tru/1 t man 0 ,l9coln 
9 ?is second inaugural address4 ,!re he 
ass]t$ & decl>$ himself4  ,"h !n1 9 !   
tone & impress ( ?is address is !       
sov]eign place to f9d ! tone & impress (
 ,l9coln's s\l4 ,if t liv+ s\l ev] gave 
a consci\s h9t ( its liv+ l9eam5ts &    
hidd5 dwell+ place1 "h is t h9t's f9e/  
publi%$ utt]ance4 ,"h1 !n1 is ! total   
measure ( our task4 ,^u ?is transp>5t   
spee*1 & n ^u vacant air1 is ! /ud5t (  
psy*ology to direct 8 eye4 ,"h is ! f9al
 *all5ge4 ,deep )9 ! deeps ( ?is supreme
 address1 cle> )9 ! rhy?ms ( ^! res\nd+ 
trilogies1 :at does "o see & he>8  ,to !

 "q ?us def9$ an answ] some?+ su* z ?is 
mu/ be return$3  ,"h 9 ?is inaugural    
address is designation & signature ( a  
man a/ute to compreh5d a ,nation's      
hi/ory1 rev]5t t[>ds responsibility1 a  
*ampion & expon5t ( lib]ty1 comm5d+ )   
radiant e>ne/ness t all 8 fell[ m5 s    
walk ) ,god1 s *]i% equity1 & s walk 9  
*>ity z to secure 9 all ! e>? an amity t
 "t c nev] disrupt4  ,some?+ su* is !   
p]sonality :i* ?is address atte/s4 ,:ile
 ?is spee* exi/s1 ?is te/imony w endure4
 ,its ^w /&s firm4 ,& its signature is  
pla94 ,he :o wrote ! spee* has left ^u  
its manuscript 8 cle> & sacr$ seal4 ,he 
:o gave its body %ape 0 a freeman none  
c\ld b5d1 he$ful ( ! arbit] none might  
disobey1 humble t[>ds ,god1 loyal to    
himself1 a fri5d to e man1 an aspirant =
 life4  ,surely ^! are intimations (    
p]sonality4 ,"h is ,l9coln1 a vivid     
pl5itude 9 liv+ unison ( timeless       
quietness & h>mony1 orda9+ freely 8 own 
law ( ev5 he$ = self & bro!r man1 = ,god
 & _s life4 ,"h is ! full manhood ( a   

liv+ s\l1 ,godlike & e>?ly-born4 ,none (
 its features are solidifi$ 9 fle%1 to  
be aga9 & soon resolv$4 ,all its face is
 spiritual2 all its action free1        
self-ord]$1 & self-judg$2 all pres]v+   
jeal\sly its own k+ly honor2 all beam+  
graci\sly on o!r m52 all be>+ homage up 
to ,god2 all vivid ) immortality2       
abhorr+ mightily all pride & hate1 all  
falsehood & decay2 all %>+ sacrificially
 ) o!r m5 ! co/ & %ame entail$ 9 right+ 
human wrong4 ,?is is ,l9coln's          
p]sonality4 ,9 ,godlike1 fri5dly1 undy+ 
self-respect2 9 heav5ly1 upright1       
immortal k9dl9ess2 9 humane1 div9e1     
self-honor+ he$ = _s-life--9 ea* & any  
"o ( ^! f\r id5tical affirmations is    
,l9coln's p]sonality exhau/ively        
engross$1 ea* & any "o decl>+ t he      
conta9s )9 himself a free & dea?less    
s\l1 ak9 alike to ,god & man1 & b\nd    
!re9 by ! self-wr\ght law ( love & tru?4
  ,^! t]ms def9e a life at once ( human 
& ( heav5ly range1 at once inhabit+ &   
transc5d+ realms ( *ange1 at once       

self-rul$ & environ$ ) responsibility4  
,"h is elem5tal p]sonality1 9 inwr\ght &
 indivisible unity1 ) measureless       
capacity = v]satility1 easily bl5d+     
fulness ( vigor ) complete repose1      
ve/ur$ & transfus$ ) native symmetry &  
grace4 ,9 "s su* liv+1 brea?+ words1    
!mselves transfigur$ & illum9$ by !     
quick5+ v]ities !y /rive to body =?1 may
 ! pure1 immortal s\l ( ,l9coln1 & ( e  
*ild ( man1 be def9$1 unburd5$1 &       
decl>$4  ,some?+ ?us mu/ writt5 words   
describe ! s\l t surg$ b5ea? ?is spee*1 
& freely gave ?is spee* its be+4 ,surely
 su* an und]tak+ mu/ n be despis$4 ,t   
aspir+1 creative _s1 s e>ne/ & s        
resolute1 f> m ?an any spee* its vision 
or its passion may body =?1 dem&s to be 
portray$4 ,gr& z are ^! p>agraphs1 _!   
au?or has a f> surpass+ maje/y4 ,fitt$ z
 are ^! acc5ts to rea* & /ir ! auditors 
( a cont95t1 ! s\l f :i* ^! acc5ts rise 
has an access to all ^? auditors f> m   
intimate4  ,if read]s ( ?is essay spurn 
! ef=t :i* x und]takes1 let !m n be     

scorn]s m]ely4 ,f among _! numb]1 let "s
 "o arise1 arti/ en\gh 9 insight &      
h&icraft to make "s tru] del9eation ( t 
liv+ ,l9coln1 ! abid+ orig9 & au?or (   
?is & 8 e o!r noble spee* & de$4 ,su* an
 arti/ is sure to f9d1 if ev] ! consci\s
 s\l ( ,l9coln %9es ?r\gh 8 h&1 t :5 !  
inn] face ( ,l9coln is portray$1 t      
portrait w c>ry speak+ evid5ce ( a      
joyful & abid+ consci\sness ( lib]ty &  
law1 ( self & bro!r man1 ( ?+s et]nal1 &
 ( ,god2 t 9 8 c\nt5ance1 s sorr[-%ad[$ 
& yet s s]5e1 w %9e a close resemblance 
to e o!r man2 t ?r\gh 8 quiet eye w     
gleam t image ( ,god 9 :i* he & all 8   
fell[ m5 h be5 made2 & t deep )9 x all w
 beam a radiant assurance t by ! way (  
sacrifice ! awful my/]y ( s9 has be5    
resolv$4  ,hi!rw>d mu/ m5 :o seek ! s\l 
( ,l9coln turn _! eye4 ,humble1 g5tle1 &
 loyal1 eag] aft] ! life t is its own   
rew>d1 at once dutiful & free1 lavi%+   
out 8 life to take ! /+ f s9--?is is !  
s\l ( ,l9coln4 ,9 ?is image e man w see 
himself reflect$1 ei!r 9 aff9ity1 or by 

rebuke1 h]e9 reveal+ h[ all m5 resemble 
,god4 ,some?+ su* is man4 ,some?+ su* is
 our common manhood4 ,some?+ su* is our 
inh]5t te/imony z to our orig9 & s\rce4 
,& some?+ su* is ! task ( him :o w\ld   
frame a valid def9ition ( p]sonality4   
,no und]tak+ is m pr(\nd1 none m        
supreme4 ,& once x is accompli%$1 =ms ( 
/atem5t w h be5 f\nd avail+ to embody   
all man c ev] "k ( self or ,god4        
,,"p ,v4 ,,conclusion   ,,l9coln',s ,,"*
  ,9 all ! *apt]s t h gone be=e1 !      
ess5tial con/ructive factors h be5 v    
few4 ,?is is evid5t f _! cont9ual       
reit]ation--a reit]ation t is too       
conspicu\s to be ov]look$4 ,9 ?is is    
intimation t ! la/ inclusive affirmation
 ( ?is /udy w be rem>kable = its brevity
 & also = its op5 cl>ity4 ,! simple     
elem5ts ( su* a clos+ syn!sis may be "h 
set d[n4  ,z enc\rag+ ?is attempt1 x may
 be fir/ rem>k$ t ,l9coln's life atte/s 
& demon/rates ! primacy ( "*4 ,?is is ! 
f\ndation ( 8 fame2 & h]eby 8 fame is   
felt to be secure4 ,to ?is all m5 agree4

 ,?is _w-wide cons5t may be said to be  
unhesitant1 spontane\s1 un=c$1 aris+ z  
?\gh by common in/9ct1 or by a moral    
intuition1 all m5 ev]y:]e view+ him     
alike1 ev5 z all eyes ev]y:]e act alike 
9 receiv+ & reflect+ light4 ,"h is      
some?+ ( a significance no?+ less ?an   
imp]ial = a /ud5t ( e?ics4 ,= x seems to
 say t by univ]sal suffrage an          
int]national tribute is r5d]$ to a      
common patt]n ( human life2 t !re is a  
_w ideal 9 ! moral realm2 t ?is ideal is
 visibly ne>2 & t ?is realiz$ ideal is s
 altoge!r fri5dly1 admirable & excell5t 
z to w9 f e l& an ov]fl[+ flood (       
?ankfulness & joy4 ,s g5u9e1 s g5ial1 & 
s gr& is ,l9coln's moral life4 ,9 ! face
 ( su* a life1 & ( su* a tribute1 a     
/ud5t ( e?ics may be embold5$ to assume 
t 8 sci5ce has inde$ f\ndations2 t ^?   
sure gr\nds are aft] all n f> to seek2 &
 t :5 ^? corn]/ones are once uncov]$1 !y
 w be )9 ! easy compreh5sion ( common   
m54 ,"h1 !n1 9 ,l9coln's op5 & exalt$   
life is at once a *all5ge & a te/ = all 

:o w\ld l to attempt a c>eful survey ( !
 moral realm4  ,"o /]l+1 /&+ coeffici5t 
( ,l9coln's "* 0 its ?\ghtfulness4      
,pi]c+1 pond]+ ?\ght 0 ) him a habitude4
 ,8 m9d _h insight1 & he us$ its eye    
unsp>+ly4 ,?is 0 no m]e m5tal cunn+1    
?\gh he 0 surely pass+ %rewd & ke54 ,9  
,l9coln insight 0 s insep>ably alli$ )  
an active s5se ( responsibility t x may 
be be/ def9$ z se>*+ hone/y4 ,into !    
massive1 solid1 /ubborn problems ( 8    
p]plex+ day he drill$ & pi]c$ by plodd+1
 pati5t1 p5etrat+ ?\ght4 ,kepl] nev]    
fix$ 8 m9d m /eadily ^u any /udy (      
geometric curves ?an ,l9coln 8 ^u !     
intricate que/ions ( gov]nm5t4 ,& n 9   
va94 ,x may be truly said t ,l9coln's   
moral judgm5ts & resolves 7 )\t         
exception ! long-s\ght w9n+s ( exacte/ &
 mo/ exact+ m5tal toil4  ,"o fruit ( ?is
 %>p scrut9y 0 a q unusual =esight4 ,9  
?is ke5 c]titude t\*+ ?+s to come he 0  
almo/ )\t a pe]4 ,b its design & its    
utility = him 7 e?ical4 ,! com+ issues  
t[>ds :i* he explor$ 7 moral4 ,! future 

he =esaw 0 ?ick ) evolv+ sanctions      
involv$ 9 moral de$s4 ,= su* ev5ts1 :e!r
 ne> or f>1 he _h a see+ eye4 ,& ) a    
/eady view to ^? oncom+ c]ta9ties he    
%ap$ 8 resolutions1 & plott$ out 8 life4
 ,t ^? high purposes involv$ 8 s\l 9    
untold sorr[ he well & un]r+ly =esaw4 ,x
 0 n by m5tal blund]s t he became enme%$
 9 ! angui% & anxiety t made 8 life s   
%ad[$ & solit>y4 ,& x 0 n by %rewd] wits
 t o!r m5 escap$ 8 all b con/ant        
fell[%ip ) reproa* & grief4 ,l9coln saw 
be=eh& :i!r 8 /udi$ view ( duty & 8     
cle>-ey$ ob$i5ce l$4 ,:]e o!r m5 /ood   
bl9d he a*iev$ to see t 8 select$1      
sorr[-burd5$ pa? 0 ! only way to !      
happ9ess t c\ld we> & satisfy4 ,8       
insight 0 betro!d "r loyally to !       
fai?ful league ( moral v]ities4 ,?us    
,l9coln's "* 0 /amp$ & seal$ ) prud5ce4 
,"h gleams 8 wisdom4 ,8 ?\ght 0 balanc$1
 look+ _m ways & compreh5d+ _m p>ts4    
,h5ce 8 sane judici\sness4  ,b ?is      
well-pond]$ c>efulness 0 no m]e m5tal   
sapi5ce4 ,! _w ( ,l9coln's pa9/ak+ ?\ght

 0 a _w ( "*2 a _w ( lib]ty2 a _w ( b9d+
 obligation2 a _w ( "r & wrong2 a _w (  
,god-l opportunities2 a _w ( awful      
sanctions2 a _w :]e dignity & %ame are  
inf9ite2 a _w ( manhood & ( bro!r m52 a 
_w :]e human s\ls outrank all o!r ?+s1 l
 ,god4  ,^! 7 ! !mes t ,l9coln's m9d    
inspect$ & adjudg$4 ,x is by virtue ( 8 
life-long se>* to f9d 9 su* mighty      
int]e/s z ^! _! rational consi/5cy1 t   
m5tal values ( ! highe/ grade p]vade &  
signalize 8 "*4 ,no mortal c\rse 9 all  
our hi/ory 0 ev] reason$ out m c>efully 
?an ! c\rse t ,l9coln *ose & held )     
moral h]oism to 8 dea?4 ,to ov]look or  
und]rate ?is ?\ghtfulness 9 any reason$ 
e/imate or exposition ( ,l9coln's "*    
w\ld be inf9itely unfair4 ,z ) light &  
vision1 8 ?\ghtfulness is ! m$ium 9 :i* 
8 "* /&s manife/4  ,q z elem5tal 9      
,l9coln's "* z 8 ?\ghtfulness is 8      
c\rtly def]5ce to duty4 ,l9coln's       
consci5ce controll$ & held him 9 8      
c\rse1 z gravitation holds & guides ?is 
globe4 ,?is all m5 disc]n2 & disc]n+1 !y

 admire4 ,deep 9 ! c5t] ( ?is unanim\s  
admiration is a respect = ,l9coln t     
am\nts almo/ to rev]5ce4 ,l9coln's      
e/imate ( law 0 mo/ pr(\nd4 ,:51 aft]   
humble & all-engross+ se>*1 he f\nd &   
trac$ ^? sov]eign obligations to :i* he 
b[$ 8 life1 8 e/imate & attitude 7 z    
?\gh he /ood face to face ) ,god4 ,b 9 t
 def]5ce 0 a c\rtl9ess t 0 beautifully  
,l9coln's own4 ,he too admir$1 :]e he   
obey$4 ,8 ?\ghtfulness 0 a /ately1      
sov]eign c\rt t sanction$ & made supreme
 e law t he rev]$4 ,?is transc5d5t1     
all-comm&+ s5se ( duty1 spr++ f )91 &   
also desc5d+ f above1 seat$ c5trally )9 
8 "*1 is c5trally & insep>ably inwr\ght 
)9 8 fame4 ,:ile 8 "n abides ?is pr9cely
 he$ = duty w p]si/ to *all5ge & to te/ 
ea* /udi$ /atem5t ( 8 "*4  ,ano!r factor
 ( ,l9coln's "*1 likewise radical1      
impossible to omit1 is 8 free & self-=m$
 *oice4 ,t ,l9coln's *oice 0 truly free1
 self-mov$1 & truly uncon/ra9$ comes    
cle> impressively :5 "o = long inspects 
& und]/&s 8 ?\ghtfulness4 ,l9coln's     

m5tal action 9 its rip] /ages 0 a pure  
delib]ation4 ,9 t c>eful pond]+ we c    
feel & see 8 rip5+ moral pref]5ce gr[   
cle> & free f trammels ( e sort1 & ga9  
t[>ds decisions t "k no o!r influ5ce b  
reason :olly purifi$4 ,s insep>able 9   
him 7 *oice & season$ wisdom4 ,f ?is x  
foll[s t ,l9coln's ripe decisions c be  
und]/ood only :5 "o compreh5ds 8 m5tal  
equilibrium4  ,& "h x comes to view t   
,l9coln's moral resolutions l$ him f>   
asund] f ! multitudes4 ,x is "h t       
,l9coln's isolation takes dep>ture4 ,?is
 p>t+ ( ! ways ne$s not+ n>r[ly4 ,f 8   
selection ( 8 pa? = life ! _w at l>ge   
draws back4 ,yet ev5 s he /ill reta9s ! 
_w's applause4 ,"h op5s ! true secret ( 
8 di/9ction1 z ( 8 excell5ce & p[]4 ,?is
 secret lies deeply hidd51 & yet op5ly  
reveal$ 9 ! comely balanc$ law 8        
?\ghtful wisdom l$ 8 noble w loyally to 
admire1 adopt1 & /ruggle unto dea? to   
keep4  ,:at n[ 9 true precision 0 ?is   
comely1 balanc$ programme ( a moral life
 t ,l9coln's wisdom l$ 8 w to adopt8 ,"h

 is ! apex ( ?is /udy4 ,t x is n beyond 
man's rea*1 ! _w's applause & ,l9coln's 
l[ly pla9ness & full accessibility may  
well enc\rage any man to hope4 ,t ?is   
inquiry %\ld /& unansw]$1 or be answ]$  
he$lessly1 or ) any vagu5ess1 is unwor?y
 ( our day or ( our l&4 ,b 9 ! answ]    
%\ld be v]bally embodi$ adequate &      
intelligible explanation ( ,l9coln's    
moral maje/y1 ( 8 unexampl$ intimat5ess 
) e sort ( m51 & ( an undivid$ _w's     
applause4  ,^! te/s are he$$ by ! answ] 
:i* ?is /udy v5tures to sugge/1 :5 x    
says t ,l9coln's ?\ghtful pond]+s on !  
ways ( ,god1 on ! s\ls & lives ( m51 on 
! microcosm 9 e man1 & on ! pr9ciples ( 
all society1 reveal$ to him !           
obligation1 9 def]5ce to himself1 to 8  
neighbor1 & to 8 ,god1 & ) full he$ to  
immortality1 to *oose & foll[ to its    
full p]fection ! law ( ev5 tru? & love4 
,to be fair1 & k9d1 & pure1 z a l[ly1   
k+ly *ild ( ,god--?is 0 ! wisdom1 !     
obligation1 ! aspiration ( ,l9coln's    
life4 ,?is 0 ! moral sum & sub/ance ( 8 

?\ghtful1 free1 ob$i5t life4 ,"h 9 brief
 & 9 full is ,l9coln's "*4  ,9 su* a "* 
is ,godlike pot5cy1 & flu5cy1 & dignity4
 ,)9 its easy int]play is true          
simplicity1 & unison4 ,)9 its h>mony    
%9es ! eye ( beauty4 ,amid all turbul5ce
 x holds s]5e4 ,its movem5ts convey a   
maje/y t awak5s def]5ce4 ,x is free1 l  
,god1 to devise1 adju/1 & orig9ate1 ev] 
hav+ inn] p[] creatively to ov]come or  
reconcile outright antagonism4 ,its     
?\ghtfulness has a ma/]'s p[] to divide1
 comb9e1 & compreh5d4 ,x c gaze unbl5*$ 
& unamaz$ into ! awful face ( evil4 ,x c
 plant & wield a lev]age t c ov]turn e  
evil argum5t4 ,9 its f9i%$ m9i/ry x c   
pres5t a portrait ( ! human s\l true to 
its v life4 ,9 su* a "*1 ?\gh compass$ 9
 a s+le life1 & m>k$ ) signal mode/y1   
!re dwells a fulness adequate to        
del9eate & compreh5d all ! mighty       
magnitudes )9 ! moral univ]se4  ,su* is 
! "* t ,l9coln's life leads all ! _w to 
admire4 ,its beauty lies en%r9$ )9 !    
bl5d$ light ( wisdom1 fre$om & ob$i5ce  

along ! way :]e loyalty1 *>ity1 humility
 & hope ( immortality %9e ev] bright]   
unto p]fect day4 ,"h is wisdom4 ,& "h is
 wor?4 ,& "h ^! two are "o4             
,,l9coln',s ,,pref]5ce  ,9 ! *apt] j    
conclud$1 ! field ( e?ics is t]m$ a     
univ]se4 ,9 ! *apt] ^u ,!odicy1 x 0 not$
 t 9 ,l9coln's mo/ ?\ghtful pond]+s1 !  
great _w ( reality t passes "u ! "n (   
physics1 or ! physical _w1 seem$ to lie 
outside ! field ( 8 conc]n4 ,"h is a    
matt] dem&+ some?+ m ?an a b>e allusion4
 ,! pond]able univ]se ( mat]ial ?+s has 
impressive maje/y4 ,x is too solid &    
real & pres5t 9 our life to be ignor$4  
,among ! />s & b5ea? ! hills & )9 ! seas
 are solid & sub/antial v]ities4 ,we are
 environ$ by _! influ5ces on e side4 ,x 
is deep )9 _! /rong embrace t our       
pr$et]m9$ fate is be+ cont9u\sly        
unroll$4 ,:at c be ! scope & :at mu/ be 
! value ( any view ( e?ics or any plan (
 life 9 :i* ?is solid1 ev]-pres5t1      
all-embrac+ mat]ial _w is s indiff]5tly 
e/eem$8  ,x is ) j ?is qu]y 9 m9d t ?is 

rese>* into ! m9d ( ,l9coln 0 fir/      
conceiv$4 ,& ! qu]y :i* has be5 ?r\gh\t 
9 imm$iate review1 b unprop\nd$ op5ly z 
yet1 n[ dem&s to be def9$ & scrut9iz$4  
,did ! m9d ( ,l9coln1 engross$ z x 0 ^u 
int]e/s supremely e?ical1 & ignor+1 z x 
seem$ to d1 all ^? va/ & deep           
complexities ( ! purely physical _w1 f9d
 = our unquiet human ?\ght ! true &     
p]fect equilibrium8 ,or 0 ! ?\ght (     
,l9coln unbalanc$ & incomplete1 misguid$
 & inadequate ess5tially8 ,9 brief1 h[  
mu/ e?ics & physics1 ^! two & only two  
supreme realities1 :5 ea* is mo/ fairly 
und]/ood1 be conceiv$ to correlate &    
h>monize8 ,z betwe5 ^! two realities1   
ea* s imp]ial & s irr$ucible1 :i* holds 
primacy8  ,"h is = any ?\ghtful m9d well
 nigh ! la/ int]rogation4 ,to atta9 a   
compet5t reply ! ess5tial qualities (   
ea* & ei!r realm mu/ be uncov]$ &       
comp>$4 ,9 physics "h1 & 9 e?ics !re1   
:at attributes p]vade1 abide1 & are     
ess5tial8 ,&1 ^! true qualities be+ se5 
9 ea*1 z betwe5 ! two1 :i* proves itself

 sup]ior2 9 :i* does ! s\l ( man f9d    
re/8  ,9 ! univ]se ( physics1 9 all ! _w
 ( ?+s m5 see & t\* & weigh "o p]vad+ & 
abid+ quality is *ange4 ,we speak inde$ 
( ! et]nal hills2 & be=e _! age-long    
/eadfa/ness t phrase seems accurate4 ,b 
x is only so>+ rhetoric1 surely s9k+ f  
its flight1 :5 sob] sci5ce sets ab\t to 
ciph] f ! di/9ct confessions ( _! v     
rocks ! date ( _! bir?1 ! /ory ( _!     
gr[?1 & ! sure pr$ictions ( _! complete 
decay4 ,9 all ! /ability ( ! solid hills
 !re is no?+ p]man5t4 ,s ) ! ageless    
/>s4 ,s ) ! ev]-fl[+ sea4 ,& s ) ! v    
elem5ts ( :i* hills & />s & sea are     
mix$4 ,all ! /ory ( all _! g5esis &     
j\rney+ & vani%+ is a nev]-end+ tale (  
*ange4 ,no?+ physical abides ! same4    
,b5ea? ! d>+ rays ( pres5t-day rese>*   
all ?+s are be+ prov$ imp]man5t1 all    
f\nd v]g+ ov] ! inf9ite abyss4          
,transmutations are 9 progress ev]y:]e4 
,9 ! s\l ( ,l9coln !re 0 crav+ = a sort 
( satisfaction :i* no?+ mutable c\ld ev]
 meet4 ,amid ?is pageantry ( *ange1     

among ^! ceaseless trans=mations1 ) all 
_! pass+ beauty1 & all _! f9al          
disappo9tm5t1 !re 0 9 him a hung]+ aft] 
some?+ t %\ld hold et]nally4 ,& )9 ?is v
 eag]ness 0 g5u9e k9%ip ) ! *angeless   
foo?old 9 ?+s et]nal :i* x aspir$ to    
f9d4 ,8 v long+ 0 inn]ly undy+4 ,8 ?ir/ 
= immortality 0 9 itself av]se &        
opposite to dea? ess5tially4 ,deep )9 8 
desire1 deep )9 himself 7 liv+ v]ities1 
)9 !mselves immutable4 ,8 admiration    
be=e ,god's maje/y1 8 free cov5ant )    
p]fect loyalty1 8 fri5dly k9dl9ess t[>ds
 all o!rs l himself1 & 8 ,god-l         
sacrificial grief = all wrongdo+1 held  
)9 _! pure vitality visions & passions &
 aspirations t no mortal d>ts c\ld t\*4 
,& :5 ) cle> disc]nm5t he freely *ose to
 fill 8 s\l ) hopes & de$s t et]nally   
evade decay1 he select$1 z betwe5 ?+s t 
*ange & ?+s t abide1 t reality to ^:    
et]nal primacy e pass+ day yields p]fect
 demon/ration4 ,n[h]e 9 physics1 9 e?ics
 alone c\ld be f\nd ! p]fect solace (   
consci\s p]petuity4  ,ano!r quality (   

all ?+s physical1 a quality likewise    
all-p]vad+ & p]si/5t1 is _! want (      
spontaneity4 ,)9 ! nature ( ?is mighty  
physical bulk1 t is =ev] alt]+ its g>b &
 =m1 & )9 all its fl[+ *ange !re is no  
lib]ty4 ,?r\gh all ! ev]-v>y+ orbit ( ! 
moon2 9 all ! m>vel\s w$lock ( ! elem5ts
 )9 ! rocks & soils & plants2 9 all     
convulsions & explosions ( air & sea &  
flu5t gas2 9 lightn+1 fire1 & plague2 9 
all ! age-long monotony ( in/9ct1 habit1
 & proclivity1 !re is no consci\s *oice1
 no "*-wor?1 no ennobl+ & t]rify+       
responsibility4 ,?r\gh all ?is *ange (  
mortal ?+s all ?+s are fix$4 ,naught is 
nobly free4  ,9 ! s\l ( ,l9coln !re 0 a 
passion to be free4 ,9 ?is desire !re 0 
a cle> intellig5ce1 & a purpose l to    
,god's4 ,he covet$ a dignity t 0        
self-a*iev$4 ,he deem$ t wor?1 & t      
alone1 supreme t 0 8 own creation4 ,only
 9 de$s t he himself det]m9$ c\ld he    
disc]n true excell5ce4 ,h]e9 he /ood    
ap>t f brutes1 rank$ above ! hills1 &   
pi]c$ beyond ! />s4 ,& :51 ) su* an     

insight1 & su* a so>+ wi%1 & 9 su* high 
dignity1 he freely *ose to hold supreme 
! life & ?\ght & joy t are truly free1  
rat+ all ?+s fix$ & physical z =ev] f>  
b5ea?1 he allott$ c]ta9 primacy to t :i*
 he discreetly judg$ und\bt$ly          
pre-em95t4 ,9 close/ consonance ) :at   
has la/ be5 said1 comes n[ to be        
affirm$1 a c5tral quality ( all ?+s     
purely physical--p]si/5t & p]vad+       
ev]y:]e--_! absolute in]tia morally4 ,!y
 move z !y are mov$1 & nev] o!rwise4 ,! 
law by :i* _! be+ is controll$ is n _!  
own4 ,at ! la/ & ev]more physics1 ?\gh !
 measureless ar5a ( unmeasur$ active    
en]gy1 is p[]less4 ,x _c ev5 obey4 ,b   
mo/ demon/rably x c nev] comm&1 n ev5   
itself4 ,x is va/ly1 deeply1 & =ev] only
 passive2 al?\gh )9 its pond]\s frame   
are play+ ) baffl+ con/ancy =ces t we>y 
all too easily our mo/ /alw>t ?\ght4  ,9
 su* a realm z ?is1 =ev] unawak5$ &     
ev]more unjudg$1 ,l9coln's awak5$ &     
judicial s\l c\ld nev] f9d cont5tm5t4   
,)9 t manly he>t 0 en?ron$ a consci5ce1 

al]t alike to receive & to orig9ate1 z  
also to approve & fulfill all noble &   
ennobl+ obligations4 ,he knew ! mean+ & 
! s5se ( duty1 ! weight ( duty claim$1 &
 ! wor? ( duty done4 ,9 8 true he>t 0 a 
liv+ spr+ ( moral law4 ,& 9 *]i%+ )     
exalt$ satisfaction ?is imp]ial quality 
( all true moral life1 !re9 decid+ t    
physics held no?+ wor?y ( any comp>ison1
 he gave k+ly utt]ance to a judgm5t &   
decision & desire t c\ld e/imate        
infallibly ! ultimate competitors )9 8  
consci\s life = primacy4 ,= ev] 9 e?ics1
 z nev] 9 physics1 "r judgm5t f9ds its  
s\rce4  ,yet ano!r quality ( physics1   
likewise all-p]vasive & p]man5t1 is !   
mock+1 p>alyz+ my/]y 9 :i* all its      
c]ta9ties are veil$4 ,! mighty          
acquisitions to our c]ta9 k 9 ! realm ( 
nature are sup]bly manifold & z sup]bly 
sure4 ,! swell+ catalogue ( ?+s well    
c]tifi$ 9 ! mat]ial _w seems to advance 
! mod]n sci5tific m9d almo/ to g5u9e    
apo!osis4 ,b ( all ^! /ately c]titudes  
!re is n "o b walks 9 d>kness no human  

eye nor ?\ght c p5etrate4 ,be=e h]oic & 
unexampl$ dilig5ce & d>+ ! sci5tific    
fronti]s are rec$+ ev]y:]e2 b only to   
make /ill m amaz+ & unbe>able _!        
inscrutability4 ,on e horizon ( !       
physical realm yawn inf9itudes1 :e!r (  
space or "t1 ( geometry or ari?metic1 ( 
electron or ( cell1 s defiant1 s        
bewild]+1 & s ov]:elm+ 9 _! complete    
defeat & mock]y ( our brave/ & be/      
intellig5ce t our pr\de/ p[]s are palsi$
 utt]ly4 ,:i*ev] ways we turn1 :atev]   
ga9s we w91 we face at la/1 9 ! v eye ( 
our rese>*1 & 9 ! v he>t ( our desire1 a
 *angeless sil5ce t mocks all hope1 &   
leaves u /&+ 9 an utt] void4 ,9 ! realm 
( simple physics ! human intellect1     
despite ! fact t 9 ! physical realm !   
m9d ( man has triumph$ glori\sly1 is    
fac$ =ev] ) ! taunt+ consci\sness t its 
primal task is /ill undone4  ,9 an      
und]tak+ su* z ?is1 & 9 su* a hapless   
outcome1 ! m9d & life ( ,l9coln c\ld    
nev] be engross$4 ,he 0 ev] fac+ my/]y  
inde$ 9 ! p]plexities t ?rong ! moral   

realm4 ,9 fact1 9 ! d>kness & confusion 
t en%r\d & my/ify ! _w ( duty & aw>d 7  
all 8 sorr[s born4 ,b 9 ^? my/]ies moral
 hone/y is n mock$4 ,:]e iniquities     
prevail1 ! s\l t b[s t[>ds ,god sees    
light4 ,:]e s9 ab\nds1 ! he>t t yields !
 sacrifice ( p5it5ce f9ds peace4 ,9 !   
face ( hate & /rife & blood%$1 to bani% 
malice & to *]i% *>ity is to ent] & to  
introduce complete tranquillity4 ,:]e   
lives gr[ co>se & s\ls are base & purity
 is all d5i$1 ! s\l t seeks ref9em5t    
gr[s ref9$ & consci\sly approa*es ,god4 
,:5 ,god is mock$ & scorn]s multiply &  
he>ts gr[ h>d 9 pride1 ! he>t t meekly1 
humbly holds its confid5ce 9 !          
transc5d5t1 all-controll+ ,deity op5s 9 
t l[ly fai? deep spr+s ( nev]-fail+     
hope4 ,9 ^! my/]ies1 h[ev] baffl+ &     
p]si/5t1 ^! ef=ts t[>ds relief f9d sure 
& great rew>d4  ,9 su* a field & 9 su*  
endeavors x 0 ,l9coln's sov]eign        
pref]5ce to measure out all ! =ces ( 8  
consci\s life4 ,att5t t[>ds ,god1 b5ign 
t[>ds m51 upright )91 & priz+ life1 he  

f\nd1 n defiance & despair1 b p]5nial   
quick5+ & enc\ragem5t1 :atev] problems  
d>k5$ r\nd 8 life4 ,= him su* s\l-fill+ 
v]ities1 & su* a correspond+ fai? held  
f>-transc5d+ primacy4 ,& s 9 consci\s1  
sov]eign & ev]la/+ pref]5ce = ! tru? t  
%[s all its light 9 "*1 & = ! fai? t su*
 cle> tru? =ev] illum9ates1 ,l9coln     
te/ifi$ 8 confid5ce t 9 ! face ( physics
 e?ics holds supreme pre-em95ce4  ,( all
 ?is se>*+ e/imate & supreme comp>ison (
 ^! two div]g5t realms "o's m9d may     
gravely d\bt :e!r ,l9coln's m9d _h      
p]fect consci\sness4 ,conc]n+ ?is no "o 
may speak1 except ) hesitance4 ,b any "o
 ^: m9d has ent]$ into intimate p>tn]%ip
 ) all ! weal? ( ,l9coln's words is well
 aw>e t x 0 a habit ( 8 m9d to pursue   
its !mes to _! f>!/ b\rne4 ,9 p5etration
 & 9 pond]+ n _m m9ds 7 ev] m ev5ly     
tax$4 ,8 m5tal p]si/5ce & delib]ation 7 
almo/ pret]natural4 ,discov]+ ?is1 a    
/ud5t ( 8 m5tal ways w gr[ to feel t1 9 
a likelihood almo/ equival5t to full    
c]ta9ty1 ,l9coln 0 witt+ly aw>e ( all ! 

mean+ 9 8 proclivity to rate e?ical     
int]e/s upp]mo/4  ,at any rate1 9 8 life
 & writ+s1 s ! matt] /&s4 ,& /&+ ?us 9 !
 deeply consci\s s\l ( ,l9coln1 ! matt] 
has a high significance4 ,x seems to    
te/ify ) a prophet's /eady voice t 9 all
 ! total realm ( be+1 ! realm ( fre$om1 
( consci\sness1 & ( "* is ! fir/ &      
sov]eign v]ity2 t ! real is fundam5tally
 e?ical2 t he :o seeks = p]fect         
satisfaction mu/ br+ to 8 inquiry ! glad
 allegiance ( a moral freeman & a moral 
judge2 t 9 e und]tak+ becom+ him z man  
ea* c>d9al moral excell5ce mu/ gr[ & %9e
 increas+ly2 t e m5tal acquisition mu/  
conduce to a l[l9ess t adores1 to a     
g5tl5ess t loves1 to a purity t pl$ges  
immortality1 to a self-respect t is !   
mirror & orig9al ( all reality2 t only  
?us1 9 all ?is univ]se1 & to all        
et]nity1 c ! s\l ( man ga9 triumphs t c 
satisfy4 ,only s w tru? gr[ fully       
radiant1 & my/]y become b5ign4 ,only s c
 f9ite man f9d peace be=e 8 ,mak]1 &    
face s]5ely all t wise/ unbelief f9ds   

t]rible4 ,?is is tru?4 ,"h is fre$om4   
,su* is fai?4 ,?us1 9 a freeman's fai?  
tru? /&s complete4  ,su* is ,l9coln's   
pref]5ce4 ,l ano!r ,abraham1 & ) a k9dr$
 insight & det]m9ation1 he won all 8    
triumphs & r5[n by fai?--a free &       
consci\s fai? 9 ,god1 & s\l1 & "*4  ,"h 
are designations1 at once s pla/ic & s  
precise1 at once s simple & s pr(\nd1 z 
to signify & demon/rate h[ s\ls ( m5 may
 conqu] dea?2 h[ "o may be a p]fect     
devotee to ano!r p]son's weal1 & /ill   
pres]ve 8 own integrity2 h[ p]fect      
sanctity may assume a full companion%ip 
) s91 :e!r by r$emption or rebuke1 &    
/ill rema9 unfleck$2 & h[ 9 man's       
humility may be en%r9$ a dignity :]e9   
sup]nal maje/y may be unveil$4  ,9 "s   
su* vivid1 moral t]ms1 mobile to grasp &
 manife/ ! b\ndless range & priceless   
wor? )9 ! sov]eign moral law2 z also to 
decl>e un]r+ly ! fateful & unb\nd$      
issues ( a moral *oice1 may /ud5ts hope 
to trace ) true intellig5ce ! real      
f\ndations ( ,l9coln's all b unexampl$  

p[] & fame4     ,,an ,,epilogue         
,,address$ ,,to ,,!ologians   ,9 design+
 & con/ruct+ ! *apt]s t prec$e1 ?ree    
motives h be5 actively at "w4 ,!re has  
be5 a desire to set )9 ! realm ( ,civics
 a cle> & balanc$ exposition ( ,l9coln's
 moral gr&eur4 ,!re has be5 a desire to 
introduce )9 ! realm ( ,e?ics a f]tile  
me?od ( discussion & rese>*4 ,!re has   
be5 a desire to intimate h[ 9 ! realm ( 
pure ,religion ! f9i%$ outl9e ( a       
transp>5t "* may provide a patt]n = a   
true description ( ! problems ( ,!ology4
  ,( ^! ?ree motives ! "o la/ nam$ has  
be5 prepond]ant4 ,l9coln's public life 0
 key$ alike to moral honor & to fai? 9  
,god4 ,9 8 mo/ quick5+ aspirations & 9 8
 mo/ sacrificial sorr[s 8 s5se ( p]sonal
 obligation & 8 belief 9 an ov]-rul+    
,provid5ce held fa/ toge!r 9 a mo/      
notable unison4 ,guileless1 lum9\s1 &   
s+le-he>t$ 9 8 rectitude & 9 8 rev]5ce1 
he af=ds a signal illu/ration ( ! way 9 
:i* fai? & consci5ce may vitally        
co-op]ate & ev5 coalesce4 ,he pres5ts 9 

consequ5ce a signal opportunity =       
explor+ ! inn] k9%ip ( e?ics & religion4
 ,8 p]sonality *all5ges u to inquire &  
see h[ hone/y & godl9ess consort2 h[ 9 a
 complete & balanc$ "* ! categories t   
def9e ! basis ( "o's moral excell5ce may
 prove !mselves to be ! v categories t  
in=m & und]lie ! religi\s life4  ,"h    
op5s an engag+ inve/igation4 ,may !     
ultimate pr9ciples ( a true e?ical !ory 
& ! ultimate rationale ( a true !ology  
be f\nd 9 liv+ de$ to co9cide8 ,to br+  
?is "q into op5 view is ! ult]ior aim ( 
?is book1 & m p>ticul>ly ( ?is app5d$   
,epilogue4  ,9 ! op5 petals ( ! pla9e/  
fl[] soil & sunlight1 e>? & heav5 meet 9
 almo/ my/ic union4 ,be ?is our p>able4 
,9 ! ample compass ( a normal "*1 su* z 
,l9coln %[s1 !re is 9 v de$ a my/ic     
union--a vital p>tn]%ip ( man )         
fell[man1 & ( m5 ) ,god4 ,be ?is deep   
fell[%ip describ$2 = "h comm+le         
indivisibly ! ess5tial elem5ts 9 any    
pure & full display 9 human life (      
morals & religion4  ,9 ,l9coln's public 

life !re 0 und5iably a close            
companion%ip ) ,god4 ,e>?-born &        
e>?-environ$ ?\gh he 01 he _h supreme   
aff9ity ) heav5ly realms4 ,8 face 0     
seam$ ) suff]+2 he wore a humble mi52 8 
habitual po/ure 0 a patt]n ( un/udi$    
mode/y4 ,b ?r\gh ^? sorr[-%ad[$ features
 %one a radiant exalt$ hope1 z he walk$ 
& toil$ 9 rev]5d cov5ant ) ! sov]eign   
,god ( ,nations4 ,besieg$ by day & night
 ) difficulties & di/resses su* z r>ely 
burd5 mortal m51 9 8 nightly vigils & 9 
8 daily labors he clung to ,deity1 true 
civilian & true man ( ,god at once4 ,!  
t]ms ( ?is high cov5ant 7 specific &    
di/9ct4 ,!y 7 ! v t]ms t def9$ !        
consci\s qualities ( 8 upright1         
,god-rev]+ "*4 ,be ^? qualities         
describ$4  ,9 ! fir/ place1 "h 9        
,l9coln's op5 "* x becomes heav5ly cle> 
h[ pr(\ndly intimate & at "o are maje/y 
& true humility4 ,:5 ! guise ( ea* is   
fully g5u9e1 !y m9utely correspond4 ,9  
,l9coln's l[l9ess lay ! v image ( !     
maje/y ( ,god4 ,to t high maje/y 8      

l[l9ess con=m$4 ,z 9 a m\nta9 lake may  
be en%r9$ a p]fect patt]n ( ! heav5ly   
firmam5t1 s 0 ,l9coln's rev]5ce a       
consci\s1 free reflection ( ! excell5ce 
( ,god4 ,8 ob$i5ce 0 an intellig5t      
recognition & re-en?ronem5t ( ! sov]eign
 law ( ,god4 ,8 l[ly po/ure1 :5 9       
supplicat+ or int]c$+ pray]1 0 induc$ by
 ! b5d+ pity ( a compassionate ,god4 ,t 
tru/+ appeal 0 ! v e*o ( ,god's b5ign   
conc]n2 & )9 ! wre/l+s ( ^? int5se      
entreaties ! div9e designs ga9$ place 9 
human hi/ory4 ,l9coln 9 8 l[l9ess 0     
,godlike4 ,8 humility 0 supremely       
dignifi$1 supremely beautiful4 ,9 its   
op5 face1 z 9 ! face ( a fl[] op5+ t[>ds
 ! sun1 0 resid5t a heav5ly glory4  ,9 !
 second place1 ?is vital unison ( man ) 
,god /&s sup]bly evid5t 9 ! /ately      
w$lock ( ,l9coln's hone/y ) ,god's      
righte\sness4 ,9 ,l9coln's s\l !re liv$ 
a fai? 9 ,god's integrity :i* no d>k    
/orm ( human fai?lessness1 & no delay ( 
heav5's righte\s judgm5ts c\ld eclipse  
or we> away4 ,?is belief 0 9 him an     

active en]gy4 ,x grew to be a p>tn]%ip )
 ,god's uprightness--a cov5ant 9 :i* 8  
own s\l's eag]e/ ambitions & resolves   
became upright4 ,9 8 inmo/ s\l x 0 8    
inmo/ aspiration to be an ag5t = en?ron+
 "h on e>? ! equity ( ,god4 ,& s1 9     
fact1 z a mighty nation's *ief          
executive1 he did become ! executive ( !
 w ( ,god4 ,9 8 transp>5t hone/y !re 0 a
 reflection ( ! s9c]ity ( ,god4 ,9 8    
firm con/ancy !re 0 upheld be=e ?is p's 
eye an index f+] po9t+ to ! /eadfa/     
con/ancy ( ,god4 ,9 8 pure jeal\sy = !  
utt] sanctity ( 8 plight$ ^w !re burn$ a
 fire t 0 k9dl$ 9 ! eye ( ,god4 ,9 all 8
 ev51 gl[+ zeal = righte\sness he has   
be5 adjudg$ by all 8 fell[m5 pre-em95tly
 a man ( ,god4 ,& z signal devotee to   
hone/y he demon/rates mo/ signally t    
,god & man may set _! lives 9 unison4   
,9 ! ?ird place !re 0 9 ,l9coln's pati5t
 g5tl5ess a pr(\nd resemblance to !     
all-endur+ g5tl5ess ( ,god4 ,8 ma/]y (  
malice & 8 univ]sal *>ity 9 ! face (    
multitudes ( bitt] & malignant m5 atte/ 

et]nally an intimate companion%ip )     
div9e =be>+ grace4 ,8 sacrificial       
int]v5tion on behalf ( all ,god's little
 ones :om human he>tlessness _h oppress$
 is _w-arre/+ evid5ce & demon/ration t 9
 8 k9dly he>t 0 ?ron$ ! ,heav5ly ,fa!r's
 sympa?y4 ,unto co/ly fell[%ip ) ?is    
div9e =be>ance & compassion ,l9coln op5$
 unres]v$ly all ! compass ( 8 life4 ,=  
afflict$ & afflict+ m5 he felt a sorr[1 
mix$ ) pity & rebuke1 bo? born ( !      
affection fa!rs feel1 bo? prov$ s9c]e by
 ye>s ( sacrificial angui% unto dea?4 ,&
 ?is he did ) a disc]n+ & delib]ate m9d4
 ,x 0 ?us he und]/ood ! he>t & ways (   
,god2 & ?us by cle> design he und]took 9
 8 own life to recomm5d ! ways ( ,god to
 m54 ,9 v]ity he 0 p>tak] & disp5s] ( ! 
manifold grace ( ,god4 ,9 him ! mighty  
love ( ,god f\nd liv+ m$ium4 ,l a g5tle 
fl[] dr9k+ gratefully ! w>m? & beauty   
fl[+ t[>ds x f ! sun1 8 s\l absorb$ !   
g5tle ways ( ,god & itself grew k9d &   
beautiful4 ,"h aga9 x may be se5 h[     
intimate may be ! life ( man 9 ,god1 !  

life ( ,god 9 man4  ,9 ! f\r? place !re 
0 9 ,l9coln's s\l an all-prevail+       
confid5ce t\*+ future de/9y4 ,?is liv+  
confid5ce 0 ! outcome ( 8 close p>tn]%ip
 ) ,god4 ,8 fai? believ$ t ,god's       
designs held fa/ et]nally1 & t          
conviction cl\ds & night & dea? 7       
impot5t to ov]%ad[ or obscure4 ,! r1 z 8
 fai? & hope confid$ 9 t unfail+ v]ity1 
t fai? & hope became !mselves unfail+4  
,8 sure belief became p>ticipant 9      
,god's dep5dability4 ,"h is ! deepe/    
secret ( 8 abid+ /ead9ess4 ,h5ce 8 calm 
indiff]5ce to dea?4  ,& ?is illum9es all
 8 great appeals to 8 fell[m5 ) ! light 
( a prophetic vision4 ,= 8              
fell[-citiz5s1 z = himself1 8 sov]eign  
aspiration 0 aft] p]man5ce4 ,?is abid+  
life1 :e!r 9 ! ,nation or 9 himself1 he 
_h ! m9d to compreh5d1 mu/ be ! v life (
 ,god )9 ! s\l4 ,9 civic ,godl9ess alone
 c\ld !re be civic p]man5ce4 ,9 !       
,nation's life ! life ( ,god mu/ be     
incorporate4 ,!n & !n alone w\ld any    
,nation long endure4 ,= ?is bright civic

 hope1 = ?is alone he liv$4 ,& ?is      
ev]-spr++ hopefulness & confid5ce is !  
%9+ effloresc5ce ( 8 ,godl9ess4 ,he     
clung to ?+s et]nal 9 a consci\s league 
) ,god4  ,"h is some?+ wond]ful--some?+ 
replete alike ) my/]y & ) c]titude--a   
vital unison ( ,god & man 9 und5iable   
v]ity--a unison 9 righte\sness &        
k9dl9ess1 9 l[ly & maje/ic dignity1 9   
immortal _s purity--a unison 9 :i* all t
 is mo/ sacr$ly elem5tal 9 ,god & man   
mo/ intimately coalesce1 :ile yet rema9+
 mo/ unmi/akably di/9ct--a unison 9 :i* 
is freely & consci\sly engag$ all t     
p]sonality1 h[ev] self-disc]n+ & free1 c
 ev] contribute or conta9--a unison z   
hi/orically real z x is immeasurably    
pr(\nd--a unison 9 :i* space & "t       
provide ! !at]1 :ile yet a unison 9 :i* 
"t & space dissolve4 ,"h is surely ample
 range = ample exposition ( _m a major  
problem 9 !ology1 & all )9 ! op5 &      
famili> b\nds ( a normal moral life4  ,9
 close alliance & aff9ity ) ,l9coln's   
vital p>tn]%ip ) ,god1 & ( almo/ equal  

pregnancy = ! problems ( religi\s ?\ght1
 is ! m>vel\s intimacy ( 8 inn] &       
ess5tial fell[%ip ) m54 ,?is feature ( 8
 public life is becom+ m comm&+ &       
impressive e ye>4 ,to a degree altoge!r 
notable x is becom+ widely und]/ood h[  
he & all 8 fell[m5 7 wond]fully alli$4  
,x is becom+ se5 by all ( u t !         
qualities ess5tial to 8 comm&+ excell5ce
 are qualities deeply typical ( u all4  
,8 attitudes ( def]5ce & mode/y1 8      
prompt+s t[>ds ?+s p]man5t & durable1 8 
equities1 8 k9dnesses are univ]sal4 ,!y 
are en?ron$ )9 u all4 ,ev]y:]e1 9       
ev]yone !y ultimately pr$om9ate4        
,wond]ful z x may seem1 ?is holds z true
 ( enemies z x does ( fri5ds4 ,ho/s ( p1
 :ile ,l9coln liv$1 held him _! deadlie/
 foe4 ,?r\gh all ^? bitt] ye>s1 :ile !y 
defam$1 he meekly1 mightily held 8 own1 
subdu+ malice1 disda9+ subtlety1 despis+
 scorn & arrogance1 abhorr+ sordid gre$2
 plead+ humbly1 b z a pr9ce in/ead1 =   
righte\sness & *>ity & man's immortal   
de/9y4 ,& n[ all m5 detect t h[ev] deep 

& ov]ma/]+ ^? av]sions & animosities may
 h be51 !re 0 9 8 enemies & himself a   
moral k9%ip & agreem5t f> m p[]ful &    
pr(\nd4 ,8 humble1 hopeful plea t e man 
be fair & pitiful is w9n+ ev]y:]e today 
glad witness to its et]nal & imp]ial    
validity4  ,& ! wond] ( ?is deep        
p>tn]%ip ) m5 b deep5s1 :5 we consid] t 
! =m ( ?is all-appeal+1 all-prevail+    
p>tn]%ip 0 sacrificial4 ,?is leads      
/raight into ! inn]mo/ int]ior ( !      
problem ( vic>i\s suff]+--"o mortal1    
suff]+ 9 ano!r's place & = ano!r's sake4
 ,nev] 9 all t era ( civic angui% 9 !   
civil w> did any human mortal suff] ke5]
 or m cont9ual sorr[ ?an did he :o ( all
 ! ,nation's multitudes /ood mo/ unta9t$
 & innoc5t ( ! iniquity :i* t /]n civic 
judgm5t 0 to purge away4 ,guiltless     
utt]ly ( any "p 9 slav]y = 8 own pr(it  
or by 8 own cons5t1 he p>took ) all !   
guilty ones ( all ! sorr[s ( its        
expurgation4  ,& yet m wond]ful is !    
sequ5t fact t 9 precisely ?is volunt>y &
 consci\s unison ( innoc5ce & suff]+ 9 8

 out/&+ life /ood & mov$ ! pill> ( fire 
& ! pill> ( cl\d t l$ ?is ,nation ?r\gh 
^? sorr[s by night & day4  ,"h aga9 is  
some?+ wond]ful--some?+ aga9 replete )  
my/]y & ) c]titude4 ,& "h aga9 d my/]y &
 c]titude /& truly unifi$ & h>moniz$4   
,truly !y are unifi$4 ,b 9 t unison _!  
id5tity /&s cl>ifi$4 ,!re :]e ,l9coln's 
manhood %[s mo/ humane & univ]sal1 a    
,nation's common symbol1 outl9+ no?+    
less ?an a puissant ,nation's b\ndless  
maje/y1 !re /&s def9$1 z ) engrav]'s    
f9i%$ art1 8 sep>ate1 ev] sacr$1        
individual nobility4 ,ev5 !re :]e 8     
moral be+ m]ges mo/ completely into     
deepe/ sympa?y ) ! afflictions t desc5d 
on s91 !re 8 own integrity & p]sonal    
jeal\sy = righte\sness are mo/ out/&+ & 
di/9ct4 ,b be x said aga91 9 ,l9coln d t
 broad human5ess & t erect nobility1 t  
sympa?y & t jeal\sy subsi/ 9 unison4 ,9 
/rict v]ity he is our ,nation's         
surrogate4 ,surely "h aga9 is ample     
range = ample exposition ( _m a major   
problem ( !ology1 & all /ill held )9 !  

op5 & famili> b\nds ( a normal moral    
life4  ,s ,l9coln /ood 9 unison ) ,god &
 fell[man4 ,ideally complete 9 8 own    
id5tity1 he 0 ideally alli$ ) o!r lives 
?r\gh all ! p]sonal realm4 ,& be x well 
& truly se5 t ! elem5ts ( ?is affiance )
 8 ,god1 & ! elem5ts ( 8 firm league )  
bro!rm5 7 id5tically ! same4 ,9 ea* &   
ei!r realm ! b9d+ bonds 7 fealty to     
*>ity1 to equity1 to humility1 to       
purity4 ,^! f\r qualities expla9 &      
gu>antee completely 8 allegiance4 ,^! & 
^! alone 7 ! con/itu5t elem5ts ( all 8  
bro!rhood & ( all 8 rev]5ce4 ,& x is )9 
! nature ( ^! f\r vital qualities1 at   
once s ,godlike & s human1 & )9 _!      
ev]-liv+ int]play t "o mu/ look to f9d  
:atev] ,l9coln's "* c contribute to !   
problems ( !ology4  ,:at av]m5ts tremble
 "h6 ,our mighty human race does truly  
live 9 unison4 ,)9 t peopl$ unison !    
life ( "o may h f>-rang+ p>tn]%ip4 ,t   
p>tn]%ip is closely def9able 9 t]ms (   
"*4 ,9 ,l9coln's life z private s\l1 & z
 vic> ( u all alike1 8 con/ancy &       

k9dl9ess1 8 purity & l[l9ess embrace &  
body =? 8 total be+1 ) all he bore &    
wr\ght4 ,h]e9 unfold$ all 8 beauty & all
 8 wor?1 :e!r z a s+le citiz5 or z a    
,nation's repres5tative4  ,& our humble 
human life does also truly %>e ! life 9 
,god4 ,)9 t heav5ly unison ! l[lie/ s\l 
may h exalt$ fell[%ip4 ,& s 9 ,l9coln's 
loyalty & t5d]ness1 8 l[l9ess & ?ir/ =  
immortality1 z man ( ,god1 unfolds !    
heav5ly beauty ( ,god's et]nal purity & 
maje/y1 ,god's b5ignity & fai?fulness4  
,s d lives ( free & consci\s be+s mo/   
truly fl\ri% & s d !y mo/ truly bl5d4   
,our fell[%ip ) ,l9coln1 & ,l9coln's    
fell[%ip ) u2 ,god's fell[%ip ) ,l9coln 
& ,l9coln's fell[%ip ) ,god2 ?is my/ic  
unre/rict$ p>tn]%ip ( noble s\ls2       
unfold+ & unroll+ sov]eign h>monies1 ev5
 :5 !y antagonize2 9 v5geance or        
compassion fulfill+ all _! mission &    
dom9ion ?r\gh ! e>?--^! are inde$ our   
sov]eign realities4 ,9 scann+ ^! we may 
inde$ disc]n deep ways ( ,god & m54     
,mighty highways op5 "h--highways t ent]

 e major prov9ce ( !ology4 ,be ^! av5ues
 obs]v$4  ,:5ce came ! blight ( slav]y8 
,h[ 9 human soil c\ld su* inhumanity    
g]m9ate8 ,:at is ! virus ( its          
contagion8 ,:at makes its guilt s       
t]rible8  ,mu/ inhumanity be av5g$8 ,may
 av5g]s /ill be m]ciful8 ,may h>d5$ m5  
become reg5]ate8 ,may guilt & innoc5ce  
be reconcil$8  ,:y su* angui% on !      
innoc5t8 ,:y %\ld little ones be cru%$8 
,:y su* ho/s ( pati5t ones meekly be>+  
wrong & %ame8 ,:y d (f5ses ne$ to come8 
,h[ does pati5ce "w on s98 ,h[ does     
sorr[ "w on guilt8  ,:at is human       
bro!rhood8 ,may fell[m5 be surrogates8  
,may m5's honor int]*ange8  ,:]e9 /&s   
human "*8 ,:at makes a man responsible8 
,h[ sov]eign is man's lib]ty8 ,h[       
supreme is man's intellig5ce8 ,are moral
 be+s subject to decay8  ,may f9ite man 
come ne> to ,god8 ,does ,god come ne> to
 f9ite man8 ,may plans ( m5 & ,god's    
designs comb9e8 ,may ,god be se5 9 human
 life8 ,may human he>ts p>take ( ,god8  
,are love & tru? & lib]ty1 ! cr[n (     

human dignity1 en?ron$ 9 ,god ideally8  
,is ,*ri/ inde$ ! ,"l ( m58 ,is he our  
life8 ,are 8 tea*+s true8 ,is 8 love    
div9e8 ,c he inde$ r$eem8  ,^u su*      
qu]y+s z ^!1 all runn+ deeply into      
my/]y1 ea* "o fa/ root$ 9 reality1 & ea*
 "o voic+ 9 ea* human s\l an urg5t que/1
 ^? /]l+ elem5ts ( ,l9coln's "*1 8      
l[l9ess1 8 liv+ hope1 8 pity1 & 8       
fai?fulness %$ grateful light4  ,be ^!  
f\r qualities unveil$ be=e ! face ( s91 
t s9 may be def9$4  ,:5 9 ! pres5ce ( "s
 noble maje/y or ( "s c\rtly mode/y a   
free & consci\s s\l is arrogant or      
insol5t2 :5 a be+ born = endless life 9 
fre$om1 light & purity1 ex*anges ,god & 
immortality = idol =ms & bas5ess &      
decay2 :5 recipi5ts ( ,god's unnumb]$   
b5efits1 & p>ticipants 9 ! joys & sorr[s
 ( a teem+ _w ( bro!rm5 rema9 ungrateful
 & unpitiful2 :5 be+s de/9$ to be sons (
 light pref] hypocrisy & unbelief2 !n1  
irrev]5t1 corrupt1 ungraci\s1 & untrue1 
s9 %[s all its horridness & iniquity4   
,& :5 9 ! pres5ce ( pure grace & tru?   

all su* p]v]s5ess /&s reveal$2 !n !     
beauty ( a quiet mode/y1 z x respects   
all wor?y maje/y1 w make supremely pla9 
! ugl9ess ( e =m ( insol5ce2 !n ! life t
 op5s t[>ds p]petual dawn w mo/ mightily
 & =ev]more reproa* ! life t fea/s ^u   
corrod+ food1 fatt5+ & h>d5+ t[>ds      
decay2 !n outp\r+1 pati5t love w visit  
on +ratitude & hate _! mo/ unbe>able    
rebuke2 & !n ! radiant light ( simple   
tru? & pure s9c]ity w set all falsity & 
unbelief 9 utt]mo/ disgrace4 ,9 su* an  
awful p5alty1 supreme & unavoidable1 w  
s9 incur its doom4  ,b 9 ! v p5alty x   
/&s proclaim$ h[ s9ful s\ls may be      
trans=m$1 & ho/ile he>ts be reconcil$4  
,:5 pride1 subdu$ by maje/y1 rejoices 9 
humility2 :5 grossness1 %am$ by purity1 
welcomes purg+ fires2 :5 malice1 melt$  
by =be>ance1 p>takes ! sacrifice &      
becomes itself compassionate2 :5        
falsity1 unveil$ by v]ity1 submits to   
its rebuke & welcomes tru? ) deep       
docility & fai?2 !n )9 ! s9n]'s p5it5ce 
is e p5alty absolv$1 & betwe5 embitt]$  

s\ls comes p]fect reconciliation4  ,be  
^! f\r qualities address$ to t supreme  
transaction nam$ atonem5t4  ,:51 9      
p]fect loyalty & 9 p]fect l[l9ess1 ) a  
p]fect *>ity & ) an utt] tru/ 9         
immortality1 "o l a ,son ( ,man cons5ts 
to be> ! d>k affront ( insol5ce & p]fidy
 f base & deadly m51 endur+ meekly :at 8
 s\l abhors1 !n to all ! sons ( m5 is   
publi%$ equally1 & ) supreme assurance1 
t s9s ( m5 mu/ be inde$ av5g$1 & t s9ful
 m5 may be inde$ r$eem$4  ,9 t          
transaction malice faces pati5ce1 &     
pati5ce faces malice = a f9al /rife4    
,!re c&or be>s ! ly+ taunt ( act+ 9     
disguise4 ,humility endures ! %ameful   
*>ge ( %ameless arrogance4 ,compassion  
b[s z ?\gh a ?ief to all ! brutal       
rud5ess ( a mob4 ,! s\l ( immortal      
purity is b>t]$ = by trad]s gre$y aft]  
silv] co9s1 & driv+ ?r\gh _! trade )    
lamps & clubs4  ,b 9 ! measure & 9 !    
mann] ( t transc5d5t pati5ce malice is  
prep>+ = itself ! mann] & ! measure (   
its own j doom4 ,& 9 ! measure & ! mann]

 ( t same transc5d5t pati5ce contrition 
may disc]n ! mann] & ! measure ( its    
release4 ,9 t mighty m+l+ ( av]sion &   
endurance s9 mu/ behold alike its       
omnipot5t r$emption & its omnipot5t     
rebuke4 ,?us love1 9 p]fect sympa?y1 &  
tru?1 9 p]fect equity set =? 9 heav5ly  
purity ! sov]eign maje/y ( an atonem5t =
 ! _w4  ,be ^! f\r radiant qualities    
appli$ to him we call alike ! son ( ,m>y
 & ! ,son ( ,god4 ,9 him1 ! ,son ( ,god1
 %9es su* a pl5itude ( grace & tru? z   
becomes ! glory ( ! v ,god1 reveal$ 9   
su* immortal purity z proves him heir & 
v ,"l ( all et]nity1 & we>+ su* a       
dignity z belongs at once to heav5's    
maje/y & our mo/ g5u9e humility2 :ile   
deep )9 8 op5 life z son ( ,m>y !re %9es
 su* a full & g5ial tru? & grace z      
proves 8 true humanity1 s free f mortal 
ta9t ?r\gh all our transi5t sc5es z     
proves 8 _s's immortality1 & manife/+   
ev]y:]e to all ! sons ( man _! own ideal
 l[l9ess4 ,^! are all 8 beauty4 ,9 him  
!y fully bl5d4 ,!y bl5d 9 him inde$4 ,b 

!y d n dissolve4 ,& s may we ) s\ls ak9 
to him :om ,m>y bore behold 9 him !     
prop] image ( our complete humanity2 &  
/ill ) eyes & vision all un*ang$1 behold
 )9 ^? same fair traits ! v image & !   
unb\nd$ fulness ( ! glory ( ! inf9ite   
,god4  ,be ^! same radiant qualities our
 prop] m$ium = behold+ ,deity4 ,conceive
 ( ,"o 9 ^: be+ ! only light & glory    
reside 9 ! pure maje/y ( a p]fect grace 
& tru?4 ,conceive h[ ^! free liv+       
qualities p]mit a unison 9 fell[%ip1 a  
fell[%ip 9 unison4 ,conceive h[ su* a   
unison p]mits to ea* p>ticipant complete
 equality & a full inf9ity4 ,conceive   
?us h[ p]fect con/ancy & p]fect         
k9dl9ess1 reveal$ 9 p]fect purity1 &    
clad 9 p]fect maje/y may manife/        
et]nally 9 my/ic unison ! bless$ness ( a
 p]fect p]sonality4 ,conceive h[ su* a  
p>tn]%ip 9 unison1 & unison 9 p>tn]%ip w
 be ev]more conta9+ & enjoy+ )9 itself  
an ev]more unsulli$ ,_s life1 eng5d]+ & 
complet+ all ! f9ite =ms ( be+ ( !      
creat$ univ]se2 an ev]more unfold+ ,love

 t is ! "o orig9al ( e fa!rhood 9 heav5 
& e>?2 & an ev]more ,respond+ ,love t is
 ! primal inspiration ( ! admir+ & ador+
 ?ankfulness ( e *ild ( ,god2 :ile      
ev]more display+ 9 a loyal self-respect 
! et]nal ar*etype & orig9 ( e v]ity & e 
equity en?ron$ 9 any e>ne/ upright m9d4 
,& s conceive 9 t]ms z vivid z our own  
intellig5ce & lib]ty h[ true transc5d5t 
,deity may wield no o!r en]gy & "k no   
o!r bless$ness ?an unfolds =ev] 9 a free
 & consci\s unison & p>tn]%ip 9 pure    
transc5d5t love & tru?4  ,transc5d5t    
?\ghts & v5tures ^!4 ,b ab\nd+ o!r      
?\ghts & v5tures no less transc5d5t wait
 & urge = utt]ance4 ,!y all assume no   
less1 & no?+ m1 ?an t 9 ! liv+ vision ( 
a liv+ p]sonality hides & %9es ! h>mony 
t may unite ! my/]ies & ! c]ta9ties (   
?is univ]se4 ,let ,tru?1 z p]sonal      
self-respect2 & ,love1 z self-devot+    
life2 & ,purity1 t fe>s no dea?2 &      
,dignity1 t cr[ns all wor?--let ^! be   
cle>ly se51 ea* "o ap>t2 & cle>ly se5   
aga9 :5 fully unifi$--& human ?\ght     

holds categories 9 h& :]eby ! problems (
 our m5tal & e?ical & religi\s life may 
be resolv$4  ,( all ( ?is :at goes be=e 
is b a brief & b>e sugge/ive h9t4 ,its  
developm5t & v9dication call = !        
complet$ exposition ( su* a balanc$ r\nd
 ( ?\ght z may be f\nd 9 a prophet l    
,isaiah1 an apo/le l ,paul1 or an       
evangeli/ l ,john4     ,,l9coln',s      
,,second ,,inaugural   ,fell[-,c\ntrym53
  ,at ?is second appe>+ to take ! oa? ( 
! presid5tial (fice1 !re is less        
occasion = an ext5d$ address ?an !re 0  
at ! fir/4 ,!n a /atem5t1 some:at 9     
detail1 ( a c\rse to be pursu$1 seem$   
fitt+ & prop]4 ,n[1 at ! expiration (   
f\r ye>s1 dur+ :i* public decl>ations h 
be5 con/antly call$ =? on e po9t & phase
 ( ! great conte/ :i* /ill absorbs !    
att5tion & engrosses ! en]gies ( !      
,nation1 little t is new c\ld be        
pres5t$4 ,! progress ( our arms1 ^u :i* 
all else *iefly dep5ds1 is z well kn[n  
to ! public z to myself2 & x is1 ,i     
tru/1 reasonably satisfactory4 ,) high  

hope = ! future1 no pr$iction 9 reg>d to
 x is v5tur$4  ,on ! occasion           
correspond+ to ?is f\r ye>s ago1 all    
?\ghts 7 anxi\sly direct$ to an imp5d+  
civil w>4 ,all dread$ x--all s\ght to   
av]t x4 ,:ile ! inaugural address 0 be+ 
deliv]$ f ?is place1 devot$ altoge!r to 
sav+ ! ,union )\t w>1 insurg5t ag5ts 7 9
 ! city seek+ to de/roy x )\t w>--seek+ 
to dissolve ! ,union1 & divide effects1 
by negotiation4 ,bo? p>ties deprecat$   
w>2 b "o ( !m w\ld make w> r ?an let !  
,nation survive2 & ! o!r w\ld accept w> 
r ?an let x p]i%4 ,& ! w> came4         
,"o-eigh? ( ! :ole population 7 color$  
slaves1 n di/ribut$ g5]ally ov] !       
,union1 b localiz$ 9 ! s\!rn "p ( x4 ,^!
 slaves con/itut$ a peculi> & p[]ful    
int]e/4 ,all knew t ?is int]e/ 01       
someh[1 ! cause ( ! w>4 ,to /r5g!n1     
p]petuate1 & ext5d ?is int]e/ 0 ! object
 = :i* ! insurg5ts w\ld r5d ! ,union1   
ev5 by w>2 :ile ! ,gov]nm5t claim$ no "r
 to d m ?an to re/rict ! t]ritorial     
enl>gem5t ( x4 ,nei!r p>ty expect$ = !  

w> ! magnitude or ! duration :i* x has  
already atta9$4 ,nei!r anticipat$ t !   
cause ( ! conflict might cease )1 or ev5
 be=e1 ! conflict itself %\ld cease4    
,ea* look$ = an easi] triumph1 & a      
result less fundam5tal & a/\nd+4 ,bo?   
read ! same ,bible1 & pray to ! same    
,god2 & ea* invokes ,8 aid aga9/ ! o!r4 
,x may seem /range t any m5 %\ld d>e to 
ask a j ,god's assi/ance 9 wr++ _! bread
 f ! sweat ( o!r m5's faces2 b let u    
judge n1 t we be n judg$4 ,! pray]s (   
bo? c\ld n be answ]$--t ( nei!r has be5 
answ]$ fully4  ,! ,almighty has ,8 own  
purposes4 ,woe unto ! _w because (      
(f5ses6 = x mu/ ne$s be t (f5ses come2 b
 woe to t man by :om ! (f5se come?4 ,if 
we %all suppose t ,am]ican slav]y is "o 
( ^? (f5ses :i*1 9 ! ,provid5ce ( ,god1 
mu/ ne$s come1 b :i*1 hav+ cont9u$ ?r\gh
 ,8 appo9t$ "t1 ,he n[ wills to remove1 
& t ,he gives to bo? ,nor? & ,s\? ?is   
t]rible w>1 z ! woe due to ^? by :om !  
(f5se came1 %all we disc]n !re9 any     
dep>ture f ^? div9e attributes :i* !    

believ]s 9 a liv+ ,god always ascribe to
 ,him8 ,fondly d we hope--f]v5tly d we  
pray--t ?is mighty sc\rge ( w> may      
spe$ily pass away4 ,yet1 if ,god wills t
 x cont9ue until all ! weal? pil$ by !  
bondman's two hundr$ & fifty ye>s (     
unrequit$ toil %all be sunk1 & until e  
drop ( blood drawn ) ! la% %all be paid 
by ano!r drawn ) ! sword1 z 0 said ?ree 
?\s& ye>s ago1 s /ill x mu/ be said1 ,! 
judgm5ts ( ! ,"l are true & righte\s    
altoge!r4  ,) malice t[>d none2 ) *>ity 
= all2 ) firmness 9 ! "r1 z ,god gives u
 to see ! "r1 let u /rive on to f9i% !  
"w we are 92 to b9d up ! ,nation's      
w\nds2 to c>e = him :o %all h borne !   
battle1 & = 8 wid[1 & 8 orphan--to d all
 :i* may a*ieve a j & la/+ peace among  
ourselves1 & ) all ,nations4            
,transcrib]'s ,notes3                   
,inconsi/5t_/ar*aic spell+ & punctuation
 reta9$ f orig9al4