welcome March 31, 2003 Issue

The power of few words

Warren Bolon

In writing, less is more. Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address has about the same number of words as the 91st Psalm, a handful short of 300. About this column's length. Humbling enough?

Lincoln's message has had mighty mending power for a nation wounded by racial oppression and civil war. But perhaps he would have agreed that the 91st Psalm has proved far mightier as a healer-comforter. Ultimately, though, both messages came from the same source—as the inspired Work and inspiring words at a crucible moment.

Lincoln didn't consider himself religious, but he knew and loved the Bible. He wrote, spoke, and led nation in the cadences and spirit of the Scriptures. In 1864 he wrote to "the Loyal Colored People of Baltimore," who had given him a Bible: "In regard to this Great Book, I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good the Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book."

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Letters
letters
March 31, 2003
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit