Buried Quote by Abraham Lincoln
![“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…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/776/abraham-lincoln-88_buried_when-i-left-springfield-to-become-presid_3233801.jpg)
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Gettysburg Address, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, November 19, 1863
Lincoln describes his conversion to Christianity after witnessing massive loss, linking personal faith to collective sacrifice.
In simple terms: Seeing loss led to faith.
Key Takeaway
Reflect on sacrifice’s impact on belief.
Themes
faith
sacrifice
leadership
war
spiritual awakening
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- military service
- public speaking
- personal crisis
- historical reflection
Key Concepts
conversion
collective memory
moral responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How does collective tragedy shape personal belief?
- What role does faith play in leadership?
A Different Perspective
Personal faith journeys are complex; conversion may be temporary or situational.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
