Question

Why does Abraham Lincoln use a biblical allusion in this excerpt from his "House Divided" speech?

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."

1.) to show that he was a pious Christian

2.) to explain that slavery was dividing the nation

3.) to better connect with his audience

4.)to show his commitment to ending slavery

5.) to claim that slavery violated the nation's principles

Answer 1

the answer is 3.
because his audience was probably mostly christian so if he uses something from the bible he has a more chance of wining them over.

Answer 2

The correct answer is 3.) to better connect with his audience.

Step-by-step explanation:

In 1858, Abraham Lincoln Addressed his famous speech called "The House Divided". In this speech, he said that a house that is divided against itself is not permanent and it could fall at any time. So, he went through the Bible to support what he said and to better connect to the people who were hearing that speech.