From My Perspective - - -
For anyone who has ever been part of a deliberative body or assembly, a parliamentary procedure that is sometimes called for is “division of the house.” When the call for “division” is physically enacted upon, it would require members of the assembly to go to different parts of the room (or chamber), literally dividing into groups, indicating a vote in favor of or in opposition to a motion under consideration. In larger assemblies, it is often carried out by standing in place and tellers (those counting) determining a number for or against a motion under consideration. There is usually a count requirement based upon whether or not a quorum is present, as well as if a predetermined percentage of those eligible to vote is cast.
On June 18, 1858 Abraham Lincoln addressed the Republican State Convention in Springfield, Illinois regarding the issue of slavery. His lengthy address contained some of the following comments: “Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Convention. 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. I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved -- I do not expect the house to fall -- but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other. Either the opponents of slavery, will arrest the further spread of it, and place it where the public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in the course of ultimate extinction; or its advocates will push it forward, till it shall become alike lawful in all the States, old as well as new -- North as well as South…”
The “House Divided Against Itself” were words gleaned from the Gospel narrative in Matthew 12:22-32. Jesus had healed a demon-possessed man who was both blind and mute. As the people marveled at what had been done, the Pharisees were incensed because of it. They said: ”It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this man (Jesus) casts out demons." It is at this point where Jesus responds to them with the words: "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.” The application of Jesus is in terms of a person’s commitment to Him and the desire for oneness with Him. Jesus said: “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” Jesus is emphasizing the desired and needed oneness in terms of His mission and purpose. Jesus also has a word for His critics and opponents. It is a word of a pending judgment and condemnation: “Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.”
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