During the Civil War, on July 4th, 1864, a delegation of free African Americans from Baltimore went to Washington, DC and presented a beautiful Bible to President Abraham Lincoln in appreciation of what he was doing to emancipate the slaves. The words of the Reverend S.W. Chase, the leader of the delegation, at the White House are very powerful,
“Towards you, sir, our hearts will ever be warm with gratitude. We come to present to you this copy of the Holy Scriptures, as a token of respect for your active participation in furtherance of the cause of the emancipation of our race. This great event will be a matter of history. Hereafter, when our children shall ask what mean these tokens, they will be told of your worthy deeds, and will rise up and call you blessed.”
Lincoln’s response is as powerful.
“I can only now say, as I have often before said, it has always been a sentiment with me that all mankind should be free.
All the good the Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man’s welfare, here and hereafter, are to be found portrayed in it. To you I return my most sincere thanks for the very elegant copy of the great Book of God which you present.”
Lincoln was taught the scriptures from the time he was a small boy in Kentucky. This early Bible education laid the foundation for his desire, fortitude and resolve to free the slaves.
The Word of God is the most powerful force for good in the world. As the scripture says, “God created us in his image”. Each one of us, no matter what our race are equal in the eyes of God. President Lincoln understood this and so should we. There is no room for prejudice of any kind toward others. Jesus said to “love one another”. This should be our daily goal no matter what in us would try to keep us from it.
These wonderful African American leaders saw in Abraham Lincoln the Bible’s truth being lived out. The pastor’s last statement to Lincoln though seems almost prophetic.
“when you pass from this world to that of eternity, may you be borne to the bosom of your Savior and your God.”
Less than a year later, on April 14th, 1865, President Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth.