And now, fellow-citizens, it only remains that you should comprehend the grandeur of the cause and of your position.

These two names, once in conjunction, now represent the two hostile ideas of Rebellion and Patriotism.

Even if the election be certain, our duty is none the less imperative.

I have often, on former occasions, when addressing my fellow-citizens, put the question, “Are you for Freedom, or are you for Slavery?”--and I put this question now; for it is the question which necessarily enters into the coming election.

On the answer hinges absolutely the peace of our country and the perpetuity of our institutions.

Therefore I put the question in another form: “Are you for your country, or are you for the Rebellion?” That is the question to decide by your votes.

It is vain to evade this question, vain to wink it out of sight.

It will come to every man as he puts in his vote, and he should decide it sincerely, patriotically, religiously.

Just to the extent of its influence, you will give aid and comfort to the Rebel enemy, and will prevent the restoration of Union and Peace.

There can be no third party now, whether in the name of moderation or in the name of progress,--as there can be no third party between right and wrong, between good and evil, between the Almighty Throne and Satan.

One is the party of the country, with Abraham Lincoln as its chief, and with Freedom as its glorious watchword; and the other is the party of the Rebellion, with Jefferson Davis as its chief, and with no other watchword than Slavery.

As in the choice of Hercules, there are here before you two roads,--one leading to virtue and renown, the other leading to crime and shame.

Vote against Abraham Lincoln, if you can, or stay at home and sulk, if you will; you have only, as a next step, to go over to the enemy.

Candidates and men, no matter who, are all insignificant by the side of the cause.

It is the cause we sustain and would bear, as the ark of the covenant, on our shoulders.

Such a party, originally formed with such an object and inspired by Freedom, was the natural defender of the Republic, when Slavery took up arms against it.

To this end it has labored, and to this end it will continue to labor, until, by the blessing of God, the Union is once again restored.

I regard it as an honor to belong to this party, so great in what it has already accomplished, and greater still in what it proposes.

The Republican party will live forever in the gratitude of all who love Liberty and rejoice in the triumphs of Civilization.

In this strange combination, where Herod and Pilate are made friends to destroy human freedom, there seems but one single element of cohesive attraction, and that is Slavery; and these men all call themselves Democrats.

Pardon the frankness with which I speak: it is needful in order to disclose the actual character of the Opposition.

For a true Democracy, founded on the rights of man, I have an unfeigned respect; but for a pretended Democracy, founded on human slavery, and existing only for this enormous crime, I have no respect.

For years the Democratic party has been the supporter of Slavery, prompt in yielding to its insatiate demands.

Look at the Rebellion from beginning to end, and you will find it has been engineered by Democrats.

You cannot forget that James Buchanan, a Democrat, was President, surrounded by a Democratic Cabinet, while the Rebellion was allowed to organize and gather strength without interruption.