Abraham Lincoln and the Soul of America

his opposition to slavery was his love for the Union. He laid out in very clear terms his view of the Constitution and the Union it upheld. "I hold, that in contemplation of universal law, and of the Constitution, the Union of these states is perpetual." He argued that the perpetuity of the Constitution was clearly implied by the Framers' stated desire to seek a "more perfect Union" than that of the Articles of Confederation (which had declared itself perpetual).

Lincoln pledged to stand firmly behind the Union, with force if necessary. In so doing, he wasn't, as some southern detractors even today would argue, manifesting bitter dictarorial aspirations. On the contrary, he was demonstrating his ardent commitment to the U.S. Constitution, the handiwork of the Founding Fathers he so admired and venerated.

His commitment to that Constitution would be tested over the four years of brutal civil war. Lincoln's dogged persistence and determination must be counted as perhaps the leading decisive factor in ultimate Union victory in the war. Few other men would have weathered such a conflict - one that cost the lives of over 600,000 people, wreaked havoc on the nation's economy, and forever changed the course of history.

Abraham Lincoln would see the war wind down, but would not live to see its ultimate resolution. Instead, he would give his own life as a martyr to the cause of the Union.

Lincoln was more than a savior of the Union, however. He was perhaps the greatest champion of the Founding Fathers ever to occupy the presidency. His speeches were replete with quotes from the Founders and he repeatedly appealed to the values they inculcated into our heritage.

Many have argued that Lincoln redefined the Founders' principles to his advantage. This displays an ignorance of the Founders' own views. Few who have actually read the Founding Fathers could assert such a thing, as Lincoln's rhetoric about slavery, the Union, God's judgment, and so forth are almost identical to those views expressed by Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, or John Adams.

Like the Founders, Lincoln was willing to compromise on slavery in the short term to preserve the Union (his first love) in the long run. When saving the Union through compromise was not possible, Lincoln turned to the sword to preserve that same Union -- and used every legal means necessary to bring an end to the evil institution of slavery.

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