of that policy this agitation has not only not ceased but has constantly augmented.  In my opinion it will not cease until a crisis shall have been reached and passed.  “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”  I believe that this Government cannot permanently endure half slave and half free.  I do not expect the Union to be dissolved—­I do not expect the house to fall—­but I do expect that it will cease to be divided.  It will become all one thing or all the other.  Either the opponents of slavery will arrest the further spread of it, and place it where the public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in the course of ultimate extinction, or its advocates will push it forward till it shall become alike lawful in all the States, old as well as new, North as well as South.’  Take this statement as a whole, and it does not furnish a text for the homily to which this audience has listened.”

As Lincoln concluded, he was turning away, when another member of the delegation, a woman, requested permission to detain him with a few words.  Somewhat impatiently he said, “I will hear the Friend.”  Her remarks were a plea for the emancipation of the slaves, urging that he was the appointed minister of the Lord to do the work, and enforcing her argument by many Scriptural citations.  At the close he asked, “Has the Friend finished?” and receiving an affirmative answer, he said:  “I have neither time nor disposition to enter into discussion with the Friend, and end this occasion by suggesting for her consideration the question whether, if it be true that the Lord has appointed me to do the work she has indicated, it is not probable that He would have communicated knowledge of the fact to me as well as to her?”

Something like the same views were expressed by Lincoln, on another occasion, when, in response to a memorial presented by a delegation representing most of the religious organizations of Chicago, he said, respectfully but pointedly:  “I am approached with the most opposite opinions and advice, and by religious men who are certain they represent the Divine Will....  I hope it will not be irreverent in me to say that if it be probable that God would reveal His will to others, on a point so closely connected with my duty, it might be supposed he would reveal it directly to me....  If I can learn His will, I will do it.  These, however, are not the days of miracles, and I suppose I am not to expect a direct revelation.  I must study the plain physical facts of the case, and learn what appears to be wise and right....  Do not misunderstand me because I have mentioned these objections.  They indicate the difficulties which have thus far prevented my action in some such way as you desire.  I have not decided against a proclamation of emancipation, but hold the matter in advisement.  The subject is in my mind by day and by night.  Whatever shall appear to be God’s will, I will do.”