Political Quotes

Abraham Lincoln: “I leave it for you to say, whether in the history of our government, this institution of slavery has not always failed…”

On the recordAugust 21, 1858
I leave it for you to say, whether in the history of our government, this institution of slavery has not always failed to be a bond of union, and, on the contrary, been an apple of discord and an element of division in the house.
Said by
Abraham Lincoln
Republican · Illinois

Editor's note · Context

In a debate with Stephen Douglas, Lincoln challenged the audience to consider whether slavery had historically been a source of unity or division within the nation.

Share

More from Abraham Lincoln

Apr 11, 1865

If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference.

gutenberg.org
Apr 11, 1865

He said, with a great deal of emphasis, and with an expression of countenance I shall never forget: "When a man is sincerely penitent for his misdeeds, and gives satisfactory evidence of the same, he can safely be pardoned, and there is no…

gutenberg.org
Apr 11, 1865

If the end brings me out all right, what is said against me won't amount to anything.

gutenberg.org
Apr 11, 1865

Important principles may and must be inflexible.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation