But considering the great probability that the framers of those laws were wiser than myself, I should prefer not meddling with them, unless they were first attacked by others, in which case I should feel it both a privilege and a duty to take that stand which, in my view, might tend to the advancement of justice.
In his first public speech, Lincoln outlines his cautious approach to altering existing laws, balancing respect for tradition with a duty to justice.
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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.
Both parties deprecated war; but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish.
Let us strive to deserve, as far as mortals may, the continued favor of Almighty God.
Or, if one out of four will, for his own freedom fight to keep the other three in slavery, he ought to be a slave for his selfish meanness.
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