Saturday, January 17, 2009

Reason And Faith


In the summer of 1864, Abraham Lincoln invited Joshua Speed, his best friend, to spend an evening at the Soldiers' Home, the Lincolns' summer residence. When Speed arrived, he found Lincoln reading the Bible.

Speed remarked: "I am glad to see you profitably engaged."

"Yes," said Lincoln, "I am profitably engaged."

"Well," Speed continued, "if you have recovered from your skepticism, I am sorry to say that I have not."

Then, according to Speed's account, Lincoln rose, placed his hand on Speed's shoulder and said:

"You are wrong, Speed. Take all of this book upon reason that you can and the balance on faith, and you will live and die a happier and better man."



..... Ruprecht ( STOP )


6 comments:

Marissa said...

Amen.

Rupe, it's most often that your posts leave me laughing. I frequently have fits of after-giggles.

This time, you've brought a tear to my eye; and renewed hope in my heart.

Love.

Devyl Gyrl said...

Ahhh something I needed to remember today. Thanks for your reminder. And thanks to your friend for inspiring you.

I think that's what you meant in your plurk anyway.

xo

Anonymous said...

Hey Roopster! A thought-provoking post. I bet you would would be surprised to hear that I agree with Lincoln. Of course, it does not change my fundamental position, but it is refreshing to read an account that frankly I have never heard before.

Keep up the good work, Rupe!

Dan

Ruprecht said...

Rupe's pleased Dan perused this ....

Unknown said...

Rupe, my long lost brother (mom is NOT going to be pleased), thank you for the kind words posted on my blog. I'm perusing yours as well and returning the favor of adding it to my blogroll also as well too.

Devyl Gyrl said...

all those "more" phrases are circling in my head now.