Religion by dummies - An Abe Lincoln story

Although he often referred to the Bible in his speeches and letters, when it came to “hell and damnation” preaching, ignorant preachers, and hypocritical churchgoers, a thread of irreverence ran through Abraham Lincoln. He relished telling stories that lampooned the “self-anointed”.

Michael Burlingame found this one about a frontier revival meeting that was a Lincoln fav.

As people were taking down their tents at the end of a camp meeting, “a little wizened-face man ascended the log steps of the pulpit, and clasping his small hands, and rolling his weak eyes upward, squealed out, ‘Brethern and sisters!’” Because he presented “such a striking contrast to the last speaker,” the assembled people paused “to look with wonder upon him.” Encouraged by their attention, he resumed: “I rise to norate [speak] to you on the subject of the baptismal – yes THE baptismal!” He cleared his throat and resumed, “There was Noah, he had three sons – namlie Shadadarack, Meshisck, and Bellteezer! They all went in to the Daniel’s den, and likewise with them was a lion!” Observing that his audience had resumed their work, the old fellow adopted a new tack: “Dear perishing friends, ef you will not hear me on this great subject, I will only say this, that Squire Nobbs has recently lost a little bay mare with a flaxy mane and tail – amen!” [1]

“Religion by Dummies” or a lost wanted ad?

Only God knows.

This is another anecdote from Abe Lincoln, Storyteller.

Mac

Works Cited

[1] Burlingame, Michael. (2008). Abraham Lincoln: A Life - Volume One. Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 41.