LyrArc Article Gist
Walter Berns, a Professor Emeritus at Georgetown University, describes the difficult situation Lincoln faced, and the different factions from Abolitionists who lost interest in the Union, to Southern slave holding states, and compromise promoting factions, which he had to navigate around to achieve his ultimate purpose. A purpose based on what the Bible and every human sense of right and wrong would say. After the Dred Scott decision by the Supreme Court stated that slavery was affirmed in the constitution, and there were efforts in the Senate in 1861 to continue with another compromise that allowed slavery to continue and expand in the south, and after secession of some states under his predecessor, Lincoln had to keep saying no to a compromise or any rejection of the union. Even after huge losses, and battle weariness of northern and southern states, Lincoln had to have that deep inner faith, a faith in Almighty God and his purpose for the Union, to reject peace negotiations with the southern states that conceded anything on slavery.