A Mormon author's look at Lincoln

In

his book, "Abraham Lincoln, God's Humble Instrument," Ron L. Andersen

describes a 14-year-old boy who didn't find any of the existing

churches in the mid-1800s to his liking, so he didn't join any of them.

He relied instead on the God of his prayers for answers.

He didn't smoke, swear, chew tobacco, drink or despise minorities.

He lost people dear to him, including his mother and two young sons.

He was called "peculiarsome."

He enjoyed a good wrestle, liked playing with children, laughed easily and often.

He believed the Founding Fathers designed the Constitution with

divine guidance and that America was founded for a wise purpose, a

purpose in which he felt he would play a significant role.

He had a hunger for learning and truth but not a great business

head. Instead of amassing wealth, he more often gave his money away to

those he felt needed his help.

Sound familiar?Abraham Lincoln and Joseph Smith had more in common than most people

realize.Andersen, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day

Saints, said the similarities between the 16th president of the United

States and the founder of the LDS Church are almost uncanny.

Andersen's research about Lincoln, whose bicentennial birth date is

celebrated Feb. 12, began three years ago, when he read a book on the

president's speeches.

"I was really impressed with the spiritual nature of his words,"

Andersen said. "I actually didn't intend to write a book. I really just