He struck slavery because slavery had clutched the throat of the
Republic, and one of the twain must die! Mr. Lincoln said, LET IT BE
SLAVERY!
Christianity, declaring the brotherhood of race, redemption and
retribution answered, _So be it!_ The Bible, sealed by slave-codes to
four millions for whom its truths were designed, answered _Amen!_ The
gospel long fettered by the slave-master's will, and instead of an
evangel of freedom made to proclaim a message of bondage, lifted up
its voice in thanksgiving. Marriage, long dishonored, put on its
robes of purity, and its ring of perpetual covenant, and answered
_Amen,_ and from above, God's strong angels and six-winged cherubim,
bending earthward, shouted their response to the edict of the Great
Emancipator!