There must be a test by which to separate the opposing elements, so as to build only from the sound; and that test is a sufficiently liberal one which accepts as sound whoever will make a sworn recantation of his former unsoundness.
Lincoln discusses the necessity of a test for political admission to ensure loyalty and soundness in governance.
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I do the very best I know how--the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end.
As a general rule I abstain from reading the reports of attacks upon myself, wishing not to be provoked by that to which I cannot properly offer an answer.
If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business.
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