One of the most pathetic and prophetic incidents of Lincoln's career is related by Dr. Bateman, of Springfield, who was his confidential friend. It occurred during his first campaign for the presidency. A canvass had been made of the voters of Springfield to ascertain their political standing, and the result had been tabulated and given to Mr. Lincoln. In company with Dr. Bateman he carefully examined the list, and then, with his face full of sadness and disappointment, he said:
Here are twenty-three ministers of different denominations, and all of them are against me except three; and here are a great many prominent members of the churches, a very large majority of whom are against me. Mr. Bateman, I am not a Christian— God knows I would be one— but I have carefully read the Bible and I do not so understand this book. These men well know that I am for freedom in the territories, freedom everywhere as the laws and constitution permit, and that my opponents everywhere are for slavery. They know this, and yet, with this book in their hands, in the light of which human bondage could not live a moment, they are all going to vote against me. I do not understand it at all. I know that there is a God, and that he hates injustice and slavery. I see the storm coming, and know that His hand is in it. If He has a place and work for me, and I think He has, I believe I am ready. I am nothing, but Truth is everything. I know I am right because liberty is right, for Christ teaches it, and Christ is God. I have told them that a house divided against itself cannot stand, and they will find it so. Douglas doesn't care whether slavery is voted up or down; but God cares, and humanity cares, and I care, and with God's help I shall not fail. I may not see the end, but it will come, and I shall be vindicated, and these men will find they have not read their bibles aright. — Chicago Inter-Ocean.
