In response to your address, allow me to attest the accuracy of it's historical statements; indorse the sentiments it expresses; and thank you, in the nation's name, for the sure promise it gives.
Nobly sustained as the government has been by all the churches, I would utter nothing which might, in the least, appear invidious against any. Yet, without this, it may fairly be said that the Methodist Episcopal Church, not less devoted than the best, is, by it's greater numbers, the most important of all. It is no fault in others that the Methodist Church sends more soldiers to the field, more nurse to the hospital, and more prayers to Heaven than any. God bless the Methodist Church---bless all the churches---and blessed be God, Who, in this our great trial, giveth us the churches.
May 18, 1864 A. LINCOLN
From Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 7.Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865.
