"In 1857 a revival swept over this country in the east and on to the western cities, clear over to the Pacific coast. It was God calling the nation to Himself. Half a million people united with the church at that time. Then war broke out. We were baptized with the Holy Spirit in 1857, and in 1861 we were baptized in blood. It was a call of mercy preceding judgment." --D.L. Moody

Abraham Lincoln said: "I have been only an instrument. The logic and moral power of (William Lloyd) Garrison and the antislavery people of the country and the Army, have done it all."

Here is an interesting experiment. Assume a different perspective when you read and/or think about American history. For example, think about the history of slavery as if you were an American slave yourself. Or pretend you were an American Indian living freely when the white settlers arrived. Or pretend you are looking at things through God's eyes.

It is not easy to do this, but even a small attempt at it will give you amazing insight into hidden history! Try writing a paragraph as if you were in those roles and see how your own writing comes out!

Abraham Maslow said: "The history of mankind is the history of people selling themselves short."

So why has mankind historically settled for misery and self-destruction instead of living with peace, joy, and love?

"No other factor in history, not even religion, has produced so many wars as has the clash of national egotisms sanctified by the name of patriotism." --Preserved Smith