Quotes By Abraham Lincoln

My opinion is that no state can, in any way lawfully, get out of the Union, without the consent of the others; and that it is the duty of the President, and other government functionaries to run the machine as it is.

Prevent ... our friends from demoralizing themselves, and our cause, by entertaining propositions for compromise of any sort, on 'slavery extention.' ... On that point hold firm, as with a chain of steel.

You know I think the fugitive slave clause of the constitution ought to be enforced - to put it on the mildest form, ought not to be resisted.

Let there be no compromise on the question of extending slavery. If there be, all our labor is lost, and, ere long, must be done again.

These political fiends are not half sick enough yet. `Party malice' and not `public good' possesses them entirely.

In all our rejoicing let us neither express, nor cherish, any harsh feeling towards any citizen who, by his vote, has differed with us. Let us at all times remember that all American citizens are brothers of a common country, and should dwell together in the bonds of fraternal feeling.

I am slow to listen to criminations among friends, and never espouse their quarrels on either side. My sincere wish is that both sides will allow bygones to be bygones.

The people of the South have too much of good sense, and good temper, to attempt the ruin of the government ... At least, so I hope and believe.

I know not how to aid you, save in the assurance of one of mature age, and much severe experience, that you can not fail, if you resolutely determine, that you will not.

I am not wanting in the purpose, though I may fail in the strength, to maintain my freedom from bad influences. ... May the Almighty grant that the cause of truth, justice, and humanity, shall in no wise suffer at my hands.

I wish no explanation made to our enemies. What they want is a squabble and a fuss; and that they can have if we explain; and they can not have if we don't.

I could not raise ten thousand dollars if it would save me from the fate of John Brown. Nor have my friends, so far as I know, yet reached the point of staking any money on my chances of success.

I am not ashamed to confess that twenty five years ago I was a hired laborer, mauling rails, at work on a flat-boat - just what might happen to any poor man's son.

Our best and greatest men have greatly underestimated the size of this [slavery] question. They have constantly brought forward small cures for great sores - plasters too small to cover the wound.

Whether we will or not, the question of Slavery is THE question, the all absorbing topic of the day.

Public opinion is founded, to a great extent, on a property basis. What lessens the value of property is opposed, what enhances its value is favored.

I am glad to know that there is a system of labor where the laborer can strike if he wants to! I would to God that such a system prevailed all over the world.

While we do not propose any war upon capital, we do wish to allow the humblest man an equal chance to get rich with everybody else.

I think that if anything can be proved by natural theology, it is that slavery is morally wrong.

God gave man a mouth to receive bread, hands to feed it, and his hand has a right to carry bread to his mouth without controversy.