Quotes By Abraham Lincoln

Wanting to work is so rare a merit, that it should be encouraged.

It is a struggle for maintaining in the world, that form and substance of government whose leading object is to elevate the condition of men.

So much of promised usefulness to one's country, and of bright hopes for one's self and friends, have rarely been so suddenly dashed, as in his fall.

I have been unwilling to go beyond the pressure of necessity in the unusual exercise of power.

It is gratifying to know that the patriotism of the people has proved equal to the occasion, and that the number of troops tendered greatly exceeds the force which Congress authorized me to call into the field.

I distrust the wisdom if not the sincerity of friends, who would hold my hands while my enemies stab me.

I am a patient man - always willing to forgive on the Christian terms of repentance; and also to give ample time for repentance.

I shall do nothing in malice. What I deal with is too vast for malicious dealing.

It is difficult to make a man miserable while he feels worthy of himself, and claims kindred to the great God who made him.

I shall try to correct errors when shown to be errors; and I shall adopt new views so fast as they shall appear to be true views.

In great contests, each party claims to act in accordance with the will of God. Both may be, and one must be, wrong.

The North responds to the proclamation sufficiently in breath; but breath alone kills no rebels.

General McClellan and myself are to be photographed ... if we can be still long enough. I feel General McClellan should have no problem.

In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free.

A measure made expedient by a war is no precedent for times of peace.

If there is a worse place than hell, I am in it.

In times like the present, men should utter nothing for which they would not willingly be responsible through time and in eternity.

Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in.

The ballot is stronger than the bullet.