4 We Stand At The Edge Of The Abyss. “Civil wars leave nothing but tombs.” (Alphonse de Lamartine) On January 27, 1838, Lincoln spoke before the Young Men’s Lyceum of Springfield, Illinois, in which he warned about the danger to our nation from within.  It’s from this speech that many attribute to him the statement … Continue reading We Stand At The Edge Of The Abyss.