The good old maxims of the Bible are applicable, and truly applicable to human affairs, and in this as in other things, we may say here that he who is not for us is against us; he would gathereth not with us scattereth.
Abraham LincolnLamon, that speech won't scour. It is a flat failure and the people are disappointed.
Abraham LincolnIf we exchange one dollar, we both have one dollar each. But if we exchange one good thought, we both have two good thoughts
Abraham LincolnSo viewing the issue, no choice was left but to call out the war power of the Government; and so to resist force, employed for its destruction, by force, for its preservation.
Abraham LincolnIn using the strong hand, as now compelled to do, the government has a difficult duty to perform. At the very best, it will by turns do both too little and too much. It can properly have no motive of revenge, no purpose to punish merely for punishment's sake. While we must, by all available means, prevent the overthrow of the government, we should avoid planting and cultivating too many thorns in the bosom of society.
Abraham Lincoln