1,780 Quotes by Abraham Lincoln

The legitimate object of government is to do for a community of people whatever they need to have done, but can not do at all, or can not so well do, for themselves – in their separate, and individual capacities.

The fiery trials through which we pass will light us down in honor or dishonor to the latest generation.

It's bad. It's damned bad.

It is most cheering and encouraging for me to know that in the efforts which I have made and am making for the restoration of a righteous peace to our country, I am upheld and sustained by the good wishes and prayers of God's people. No one is more deeply than myself aware that without His favor our highest wisdom is but as foolishness and that our most strenuous efforts would avail nothing in the shadow of His displeasure.

We hope all danger may be overcome; but to conclude that no danger may ever arise would itself be extremely dangerous.

In all that people can do for themselves, government ought not to interfere.

With high hope for the future, no prediction is ventured.

Let the people on both sides keep their self-possession, and just as other clouds have cleared away in due time, so will this, and this great nation shall continue to prosper as before.

Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.