With these six simple words, Lincoln simultaneously points his audience to the Declaration and to God.
“Four score and seven years ago” is a phrase based upon a patently biblical system of counting. Why not just open with “In 1776”? As with much of the address, Lincoln layers his introduction with multiple meanings. It was only by rededicating themselves to this ideal-by rising up to defend the country so conceived-that Lincoln’s audience could truly honor the noble dead at Gettysburg, whose ultimate sacrifice had already hallowed the ground beneath their feet.
The truth that all people are equal in their right to rule themselves gave birth to America as a country of freedom, one worthy of a binding allegiance. As important as the Constitution is in defining America, it remains subordinate to-because it was but a practical expression of-a prior, deeper, and controlling ideal: the belief that “all men are created equal,” which is the central and self-evident truth of the Declaration. But, for Lincoln, the nation was “brought forth” in 1776 with the Declaration of Independence. Some in Lincoln’s day argued that the nation began in 1788 with the ratification of the Constitution, an agreement they believed the states could opt out of as they wished. Taking his audience to 1776 is absolutely critical to his aim. To avoid the confusing use of “score,” Lincoln might have said, “eighty-seven years ago.” To be even more concise, he might have said, “In 1776.” This is remarkable, given that more than a few consider the speech the finest expression of modern English ever penned. It is also one of the least understood.Įven by the linguistic standards of nineteenth-century America, Lincoln’s start to the Gettysburg Address is archaic and cumbersome.
“Four score and seven years ago.” This is one of the most recognizable opening phrases of all time.
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