His second inaugural address has become historical for its lofty sentiments and political wisdom.  It was universally admired, and his memorable words sunk into every true American heart.  Said he:—­

“Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may soon pass away.  Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman’s two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn by the lash shall be paid with another drawn by the sword,—­as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said, ’The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.’” And, as showing his earnest conscientiousness, these familiar words:  “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and orphans; to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.”  The eloquence of this is surpassed only by his own short speech at the dedication of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg, November 19, 1863, which threw into the shade the rhetoric of the greatest orator of his time, and stands—­unstudied as it was—­probably the most complete and effective utterance known in this century.

That immortal inaugural address, in March, 1865;—­so simple and yet so eloquent, expresses two things in Mr. Lincoln’s character to be especially noted:  first, the tenderness and compassion, blended with stern energy and iron firmness of will, which shrank from bloodshed and violence, yet counted any sacrifice of blood and treasure as of little account in comparison with the transcendent blessing of national union and liberty; and, secondly, the change which it would appear gradually took place in his mind in reference to Divine supervision in the affairs of men and nations.

I need not dwell on the first, since nothing is more unquestionable than his abhorrence of all unnecessary bloodshed, or of anything like vengeance, or punishment of enemies, whether personal or political.  His leniency and forgiveness were so great as to be denounced by some of his best friends, and by all political fanatics.  And this leniency and forgiveness were the more remarkable, since he was not demonstrative in his affections and friendships.  From his judicial temper, and the ascendency of his intellectual faculties over passion and interest, he was apparently cold in his nature, and impassive in view of all passing events, to such a degree that his humanity seemed to be based on a philosophy very much akin to that of Marcus Aurelius.  His sympathies were keen, however, and many a distressed woman had cause for gratitude to him for interference with the stern processes of army discipline in time of war, much to the indignation of the civil or military martinets.