death? My heart is heavy over what I see. What has happened to the
presence of God, to the sanctity of life, the family, equality of man,
the values that our fellow countrymen died for so gloriously on the
field of battle?
America, you have turned your back on God the Almighty, the Creator.
The nation has replaced their dependence upon God and His holy
principles with an independent spirit that portrays man as sufficient
unto himself. Any nation that is not Godly is by nature ungodly and
shall be punished. You have become a nation that does not obey the
voice of the Lord. The nation has become like faithless Israel in the
days of the prophet Jeremiah.
The last Congressional act I signed was to have the words "In God We
Trust" inscribed on all of our national currency to remind our fellow
countrymen of the blessing the merciful Father has showered upon this
nation.
More than 10,000 books have been written about me. I understand that I
am the most quoted American in history and that I used more scriptural
references in my speeches than any other U.S. President. Yet, I was
but a humble instrument in the hands of our Heavenly Father, as we all
are, trying to work out His great purposes. I have desired that all my
works and acts be done according to His will (1). It is fitting and
proper that you now heed my word.
Much debate and volumes of material have been written about my
religious convictions. I considered myself a Godly man. I read the
Bible and lived by the Ten Commandments. Although I did all those
things, I did not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ until
November 19, 1863, after my Gettysburg Address. I once was asked, " Do
you love Jesus?" by a minister from Illinois just a few short months
before my death. I solemnly replied, "When I left Springfield, I asked
the people to pray for me. I was not a Christian. When I buried my
son, the severest trial of my life, I was not a Christian. But, when I
went to Gettysburg, and saw the graves of thousands of our soldiers, I
then and there consecrated my life to Christ. Yes, I do love
Jesus."(2)
I recall another conversation I had at the White house with a lady who
was a member of the Christian Commission. I asked her to give me, in
brief, her idea of what constitutes a true religious experience. The
lady stated that, in her judgement, "it consisted of a conviction of
one's own sinfulness and weakness, and a personal need of the Saviour
for strength and support; a feeling of the need of divine help, and a
seeking of the aid of the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance; that
these were a satisfactory evidence of having been born again."(3) I
was silent and thoughtful. After a few moments, I said, very
earnestly: "If what you have told me is really a correct view of this
great subject, I think I can say with sincerity that I hope I am a
Christian. I had lived until my boy, Willie, died without realizing
fully these things. That blow overwhelmed me. It showed me my weakness
as I had never felt it before, and if I can take what you have stated
as a test, I think I can safely say that I know something of that
change of which you speak; and I will further add, that it has been my
intention for some time, at a suitable opportunity, to make a public
religious profession."(4)
Do you understand, America, that "In God We Trust" was so important to
me as your Country's leader, I declared July 7, 1864 to be a National
Day of Prayer. You see, "I have been driven many times upon my knees
by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My
wisdom and that of those all around me seemed insufficient for that
day."(5) I trusted the Lord to answer my prayers and those of my
countrymen. He mercifully did! So, on October 20, 1864, I declared
that the last Thursday in November be a National Day of Thanksgiving.
"It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence
upon the overruling power of God... and to recognize the sublime truth
announced in the Holy Scriptures and proved by all history, that those
nations only are blest whose God is the Lord."(6)
I am reminded in 2 Chronicles 7:14 which says: "If My people, who are
called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face
and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and
will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
My fellow countrymen, the "judgements of the Lord are true and
righteous."(7) We should obey and not oppose God's will. Let us as a
nation humble ourselves in the dust, and ask forgiveness for the
sinful ways of this once great nation. Ask Jesus the Saviour for
wisdom and repent, for we have nowhere else to go. Let us again place
our trust in God.
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