Let it be written in primers, spelling-books, and in almanacs.

Let it be preached from the pulpit, proclaimed in legislative halls, and enforced in courts of justice.

And, in short, let it become the political religion of the nation.
During the years of Lincoln's service in the Illinois Legislature the Democratic party was strongly dominant throughout the State.

The feeling on the subject of slavery was decidedly in sympathy with the South.

A large percentage of the settlers in the southern and middle portions of Illinois were from States in which slave labor was maintained; and although the determination not to permit the institution to obtain a foothold in the new commonwealth was general, the people were opposed to any action which should affect its condition where it was already established.