In a flash of poetic brilliance, Lincoln expresses his optimism, “Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Lincoln is, in part, paraphrasing encouraging words from the first pastor of the first church in Jerusalem, James, son of Mary and Joseph, Jesus’ half-brother. “…pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (JAMES 5:16, KJV).
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