The Lincoln Bible

[STS Lincolnite]

(01-18-2017 04:03 PM)Eva Elisabeth Wrote:  There is (was?) also the "Baltimore Bible":
http://www.nytimes.com/1864/09/11/news/p...ident.html

Some more general info on the topic:
http://www.abrahamlincolnsclassroom.org/...the-bible/

Eva,

Thanks for reminding me of the "Baltimore Bible" which is also a Lincoln Bible. Can't believe I forgot about that one. I was just reading last week about the fact that when Sojourner Truth visited with Lincoln in October of 1864 he showed her the Bible. Even though she was illiterate she was quite moved as she understood what the gift of the bible represented. I have attached a photo of a painting of Lincoln showing the bible to Sojourner Truth.

This bible currently resides at Fisk University. It was donated to them in 1916 by Robert Lincoln.

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(01-18-2017 05:14 PM)RJNorton Wrote:  

(01-18-2017 10:38 AM)STS Lincolnite Wrote:  Another question just sprung to mind. What bible did Lincoln use to be sworn in at his second inaugural? Was it one of the 4 now mentioned or was it another altogether. Perhaps the answer is in Ron White's book on the second inaugural address, but I don't have access to that right now. I will look when I get home and get a chance.

Good question, Scott. I am not sure based on Ron White's book. But since the clerk of the Supreme Court was Mr. Carroll, maybe it was the same one used at the First Inaugural (?)

Here is what it says in White's book:

Chase gestured to the clerk of the Supreme Court, who handed him a Bible. George Washington, who brought his own Bible to his first inauguration, had initiated this part of the ceremony. Lincoln placed his right hand on the page of the Bible open to Isaiah 5. Chase asked Lincoln to swear upon the Bible. Lincoln repeated the presidential oath after the chief justice.

Lincoln ended with an emphatic "So help me God." He bent down and kissed the Bible. The dignity and solemnity of the scene were in stark contrast to Vice-President Johnson's earlier unseemly demeanor. The inauguration was completed at seventeen minutes past twelve 0'clock.
Chief Justice Chase presented the Bible to Mrs. Lincoln. He pointed to the pencil-marked verses from Isaiah kissed by the president.

None shall be weary nor stumble among them;
none shall slumber nor sleep;
Neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed,
nor the latchet of their shoes be broken.
Whose arrows are sharp,
And all their bows bent,
their horses' hoofs shall be counted like flint,
and their wheels like a whirlwind.
[Isaiah 5:27-28, KJV]

Roger,

Thanks for looking that up. You're right, it is not really clear what bible was used. Since Chase handed the bible to Mary Lincoln, it makes me wonder if it was the Lincoln family bible that was used in this case. I'll have to investigate this further and see what I can dig up.