If he decides that God wills Sambo to continue a slave, he thereby retains his own comfortable position; but if he decides that God wills Sambo to be free, he thereby has to walk out of the shade, throw off his gloves, and delve for his own bread.
In notes for speeches, Lincoln continues his allegory, showing how personal comfort influences judgments about the will of God regarding slavery.
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More from Abraham Lincoln
Grant that he desires the elective franchise, will he not attain it sooner by saving the already advanced steps towards it, than by running backward over them?
Unlike a case of war between independent nations, there is no organized organ for us to treat with,--no one man has authority to give up the rebellion for any other man.
If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference.
If the end brings me out all right, what is said against me won't amount to anything.
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