Lincoln had long since convinced himself that the war was God's will, and he now sought to convince his listeners, in language of fierce righteousness that might have made an Old Testament prophet blanch. "Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away.
valetine's Day gifts Yet, if God wills that it continue, until all the wealth piled by the bond-man's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash, shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago so still it must be said, 'The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.'"
valetine's Day rings
Yet Lincoln ended on a note of mercy: "With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and a lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."
Links of London friendship
The president's words sent shivers through many who heard and read them, although no one could say for certain what they meant. Was Lincoln endorsing more war, or peace? Northern Unionists nonetheless applauded. An editorialist said Lincoln's inaugural message should be "printed in gold"; Frederick Dou glass, the AfricanAmerican leader, called it "a sacred effort."
Links of London sweetie
