Extra Credit Questions

[Gene C]

Interesting discussion.
I think you are both right to a certain extent.
Lincoln seems to me to address this issue in his farewell address in Springfield.

"I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington.
Without the assistance of that Divine Being, who ever attended him, I cannot succeed.
With that assistance, I cannot fail.

Trusting in Him, who can go with me, and remain with you and be every where for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell."