Then the office was opened and everything went on as usual.
"His mind was filled with gloomy forebodings and strong apprehensions of impending evil, mingled with extravagant visions of personal grandeur and power.

He never doubted for a moment that he was formed for some 'great or miserable end.' He talked about it frequently and sometimes calmly.

Mr.Herndon remembers many of these conversations in their office at Springfield and in their rides around the circuit.

Lincoln said the impression had grown in him all his life; but Mr.Herndon thinks it was about 1840 that it took the character of a 'religious conviction.' He had then suffered much, and considering his opportunities he had achieved great things.

He was already a leader among men, and a most brilliant career had been promised him by the prophetic enthusiasm of many friends.