Excerpt from: Abraham Lincoln's "House Divided" Speech, June 16, 1858
Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Convention.
If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending, we could then better judge what to do, and how to do
it. We are now far into the fifth year, since a policy was initiated, with the avowed object, and confident promise, Of
putting an end to slavery agitation.
Under the operation of that policy, that agitation has not only, not ceased, but has constantly
augmented. In my opinion, it will not cease, until a crisis shall have been reached, and passed.
"A house divided against itself cannot stand."
I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free.
12. What is an objective summary of the piece?
a. Lincoln presents an opinion about the consequences of slavery
b. Lincoln believes that the US is strong yet endangered by its own segregation of people
c. Lincoln shares the danger of a broken country and gives a serious plea to reconsider the issue of slavery
