On the recordJune 26, 1857
The assertion that "all men are created equal," was of no practical use in effecting our separation from Great Britain; and it was placed in the Declaration, not for that, but for future use.
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gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
In his speech on the Dred Scott decision, Lincoln argues that the Declaration of Independence's statement on equality was intended for future application, not just for the immediate separation from Britain.
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