As the war progressed, Negroes came to believe that Lincoln had a personal interest in their condition and quickly grew to love and admire him. He was approachable, something that had never happened to blacks before. The "latch string" now hung out at the White House. Black leaders were welcome. He listened to their concerns and granted their requests if possible.
As an expression of their gratitude for Old Abe, the loyal black people of Baltimore took up a collection and purchased an expensive Bible as a present for him. The gift was presented by black clergymen on the lawn of the White House on July 4, 1864.* Upon receiving their ornate Bible he said,
"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 Saviour gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man¹s welfare, here and hereafter, are to be found portrayed in it."
As far as Abe was concerned, his comment expressed his feelings about the Good Book. Even a cursory study of Lincoln¹s speaking and writing style reveals the numerous ways in which the Bible influenced him. He constantly quoted scripture, and his Second Inaugural is recognized by those who have studied it as a theological classic.
