Honest Abe and a Swarm of Bees
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
When I was a schoolboy, there was no such thing as Presidents’ Day. Instead, we recognized two of America’s greatest chief executives on their respective birthdays – Abraham Lincoln on February 12th and George Washington on February 22nd.
To be honest, I wish it were still that way instead of lumping all 45 men together.
And so, in honor of our 16th President, here are some quotes about God, religion, and faith from “Honest Abe” himself…
“In regards to this great Book [the Bible], I have but to say it is the best gift God has given to man. 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 found portrayed in it.”
“When I left Springfield [to become President] 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 myself to Christ.”
“Surely God would not have created such a being as man, with an ability to grasp the infinite, to exist only for a day! No, no, man was made for immortality.”
"Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.”
“I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.”
“I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how a man could look up into the heavens and say there is no God.”
And my own personal favorite (as a very animated preacher)… “When I hear a man preach, I like to see him act as if he were fighting bees.”
“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.” I Timothy 2:1-2 (BSB)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
