The Courage Of His Convictions
: LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY: Good Stories For Great Holidays
(ADAPTED)
Mr. Lincoln made the great speech of his famous senatorial campaign at
Springfield, Illinois. The convention before which he spoke consisted
of a thousand delegates together with the crowd that had gathered with
them.
His speech was carefully prepared. Every sentence was guarded and
emphatic. It has since become famous as "The Divided House" speech.
Before entering the
the office of his law-partner, Mr. Herndon, and, locking the door, so
that their interview might be private, took his manuscript from
his pocket, and read one of the opening sentences: "I believe this
government cannot endure permanently, half slave and half free."
Mr. Herndon remarked that the sentiment was true, but suggested that it
might not be GOOD POLICY to utter it at that time.
Mr. Lincoln replied with great firmness: "No matter about the POLICY. It
is TRUE, and the nation is entitled to it. The proposition has been true
for six thousand years, and I will deliver it as it is written."
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