New Book on Declaration of Independence ~ Very Lincolnian

[maharba]

The assertion of that principle, at that time, was the word, ``fitly spoken'' which has proved an ``apple of gold'' to us. The Union, and the Constitution, are the picture of silver, subsequently framed around it. The picture was made, not to conceal, or destroy the apple; but to adorn, and preserve it. The picture was made for the apple --- not the apple for the picture.

[1] AD, ORB. This fragment may have been written earlier than January, 1861. The only clue in the context as to a date is Lincoln's allusion to the metaphor in Proverbs 25:11, which Alexander Stephens had used in his letter to Lincoln of December 30, 1860 (vide supra), Lincoln to Stephens, December 22, note). No speech which employs the language of the fragment has been found, but it seems probable that Lincoln wrote the passage some time prior to or during the preparation of his First Inaugural Address.>>

So that the 'apples of gold' possible jotted note to himself which Lincoln may have made, may have come from a Proverbs bible reference in a 1860 letter from Stephens to Lincoln? That does sound Lincolnian. Reading and skimming through material and noting interesting passages to himself --whether from Bible, Shakespeare, newspaper clippings, etc.
And then with plans to use them later on, possibly in a speech, or edict, or funeral oration, or similar.