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

Although volume upon volume is written to prove slavery a very good thing, we never hear of the man who wishes to take the good of it, by being a slave himself.

If the negro is a man, why then my ancient faith teaches me that ``all men are created equal;'' and that there can be no moral right in connection with one man's making a slave of another.

A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free.

Slavery is founded in the selfishness of man's nature - opposition to it is [in] his love of justice.

If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong. I can not remember when I did not so think ... to this day, I have done no official act in mere deference to my abstract judgment and feeling on slavery.