This address is in marked contrast, both in length and character, to
President Lincoln's first official communication. Some of the main
thoughts and two of the Biblical quotations occur in a letter written
May 30, 1864.
_Let us judge not, that we be not judged_. Adapted from Matthew vii. 1.
"_Woe unto the world_." Matthew xviii. 7.
_Fondly do we hope_. The accidental rhyme in this passage is the only
blemish that has been objected to in the address, and it is not serious.
"_The judgments of the Lord_." Psalms xix. 9. The opening words of
the last paragraph are the best expression ever given of the spirit of
Lincoln, who on another occasion said, "I have never willingly planted
a thorn in any man's bosom."