Whoever in any section proposes to abandon such a government, would do well to consider in deference to what principle it is that he does it; what better he is likely to get in its stead; whether the substitute will give, or be intended to give, so much of good to the people?
Lincoln challenged those who sought to abandon the existing government to justify their actions and consider whether any alternative could offer comparable benefits to the people.
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More from Abraham Lincoln
I do the very best I know how--the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end.
I am considering, and shall not fail to act when satisfied that action will be proper.
Unlike a case of war between independent nations, there is no organized organ for us to treat with,--no one man has authority to give up the rebellion for any other man.
If the end brings me out all right, what is said against me won't amount to anything.
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