At the time when he was busy with political discussions, he did not attempt to reduce the claims of his rivals to personification, but rather reacted to the best objectives of its rivals. This is why the transcripts of Lincoln's open deliberations with Stephen Douglas are still so commonly taught and examined. However, Miller argues that through "the development of a mature and conscious discipline, Lincoln came to be exceptionally respectful in his personal conduct of the dignity and independence of the human beings with whom he dealt." This respect would not only contribute to his friendships, but would also contribute to the freedom of black slaves. (Miller 364) Despite the fact that Lincoln was confident that his standards were right, he was keenly aware of his own uncertainty, and in his second inaugural address he proposed that the unpleasant expenses of the Civil War should be considered the only discipline of God for the evils of American servitude, in which the North and the South had been complicit. Promising to repair the wounds of war, he proposed to act with “firmness in good, as God shows us good.” we strive to finish the work we are in. (Savings