Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith let us to the end dare to do our duty as we understand it.
These are the last words of Lincoln’s address at Cooper Union, delivered to a New York audience before he was a declared candidate for president. The speech is widely credited with making him a national figure.
A house divided against itself cannot stand.
That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in.
I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.
Beware, for I am fearless and therefore powerful.
The country needs and, unless I mistake its temper, the country demands bold, persistent experimentation. It is common sense to take a method and try it: If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.