Abraham Lincoln – 16th President

“We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us…”

“And whereas it is fit and becoming in all people, at all times, to acknowledge and revere the Supreme Government of God; to bow in humble submission to his chastisements; to confess and deplore their sins and transgressions in the full conviction that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and to pray, with all fervency and contrition, for the pardon of their past offences, and for a blessing upon their present and prospective action.”

“I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for that day”..

“It has pleased Almighty God to hearken to the supplications and prayers of an afflicted people… that the Union of these States will be maintained, their Constitution preserved, and their peace and prosperity permanently restored. But these victories have been accorded not without sacrifices…by brave, loyal, and patriotic citizens. It is meet and right to recognize and confess the presence of the Almighty Father and the power of His hand equally in these triumphs and in these sorrows...”

“Unless the great God who assisted (Washington) shall be with me, I must fail; but if the same omniscient mind and mighty arm that directed and protected him shall guide and support me, I shall not fail … Let us all pray that the God of our fathers may not forsake us now.”

In regard to this Great Book (The Bible), I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good the Saviour gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it, we would not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man’s welfare, here and hereafter, are to be found portrayed in it.”

“Without the assistance of the Divine Being... I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.” Remarks upon leaving Springfield, IL, February 11, 1861