No evidence that Abraham Lincoln ever said that. Though I suspect if I could raise Lincoln’s ghost and tell him that phrase, he would agree and wish he’d said it himself.
Lincoln did not say it……it was said about Lincoln.
Robert G. Ingersoll, 1833-1899 a politician who practiced law in Illinois, then to New York City and Washington DC. He was Illinois Attorney General for a time, and was a spokesman for the Republican Party in political campaigns. He was a popular orator at the time, well-known on the speaking circuit, which existed in the 19th century as it does today. Speaking of Lincoln January 16, 1883 in Washington DC
“… If you want to know the difference between an orator and a speaker, read the oration of Lincoln at Gettysburg, and then read the speech of Everett at the same place. One came from the heart, the other was born only of the voice. Lincoln’s speech will be remembered forever. Everett’s no man will read. It was like plucked flowers. [Applause].
“If you want to find out what a man is to the bottom, give him power. Any man can stand adversity — only a great man can stand prosperity. It is the glory of Abraham Lincoln that he never abused power only on the side of mercy. [Applause]. He was a perfectly honest man. When he had power, he used it in mercy …”
OK I’ll shut up.
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Ok, I accept. Please confer power to me and let’s see how I do.
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Pedantic here.
No evidence that Abraham Lincoln ever said that. Though I suspect if I could raise Lincoln’s ghost and tell him that phrase, he would agree and wish he’d said it himself.
Lincoln did not say it……it was said about Lincoln.
Robert G. Ingersoll, 1833-1899 a politician who practiced law in Illinois, then to New York City and Washington DC. He was Illinois Attorney General for a time, and was a spokesman for the Republican Party in political campaigns. He was a popular orator at the time, well-known on the speaking circuit, which existed in the 19th century as it does today. Speaking of Lincoln January 16, 1883 in Washington DC
“… If you want to know the difference between an orator and a speaker, read the oration of Lincoln at Gettysburg, and then read the speech of Everett at the same place. One came from the heart, the other was born only of the voice. Lincoln’s speech will be remembered forever. Everett’s no man will read. It was like plucked flowers. [Applause].
“If you want to find out what a man is to the bottom, give him power. Any man can stand adversity — only a great man can stand prosperity. It is the glory of Abraham Lincoln that he never abused power only on the side of mercy. [Applause]. He was a perfectly honest man. When he had power, he used it in mercy …”
OK I’ll shut up.
Ok, I accept. Please confer power to me and let’s see how I do.