--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If any man at this day sincerely believes…" description: "\"“If any man at this day sincerely believes that a proper division of local from federal authority, or any part of the Constitution, forbids the Federal..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9bd/abraham-lincoln-88_federal-government_if-any-man-at-this-day-sincerely-believe_2196942.png" --- # If any man at this day sincerely believes that a proper… ![“If any man at this day sincerely believes that a proper division of local from federal authority, or any part of the Constitution, forbids the Federal Government to control as to slavery in the federal territories, he is right to say so, and to enforce his position by all truthful evidence and…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9bd/abraham-lincoln-88_federal-government_if-any-man-at-this-day-sincerely-believe_2196942.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9bd/abraham-lincoln-88_federal-government_if-any-man-at-this-day-sincerely-believe_2196942.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9bd/abraham-lincoln-88_federal-government_if-any-man-at-this-day-sincerely-believe_2196942.png) > ““If any man at this day sincerely believes that a proper division of local from federal authority, or any part of the Constitution, forbids the Federal Government to control as to slavery in the federal territories, he is right to say so, and to enforce his position by all truthful evidence and fair argument which he can. But he has no right to mislead others, who have less access to history, and less leisure to study it, into the false belief that "our fathers who framed the Government under which we live" were of the same opinion - thus substituting falsehood and deception for truthful evidence and fair argument.”” [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Advocates honest discourse on constitutional authority over slavery, warning against misleading others with falsehoods. **In simple terms:** Speak truthfully about constitutional limits on slavery. Key Takeaway Use evidence, not deception, when debating. Themes honesty constitutional law slavery public discourse Mood serious reflective Type political historical When to use this quote - legislative debates - educational settings - media commentary - public policy discussions Key Concepts Federalism historical interpretation ethical persuasion Questions to Reflect On - How do we ensure honest debate on complex historical issues? - What responsibilities do speakers have to their audience? A Different Perspective Historical context may limit direct applicability today. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [False Belief](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/false-belief/) [Federal government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/federal-government/) ## Related quotes > [“But who is ever fair in an argument?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-b-shepherd/but-who-is-ever-fair-in-an-argument/) [A.B. Shepherd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-b-shepherd/) > [“... 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If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-lincoln/elections-belong-to-the-people-it-s-their-decision-if-they-decide-to/) [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) > [ Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. 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I must get to know him better.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-lincoln/i-don-t-like-that-man-i-must-get-to-know-him-better/) [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) > [In this sad world of ours, sorrow comes to all; and to the young, it comes with bitterest agony because it takes them unawares.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-lincoln/in-this-sad-world-of-ours-sorrow-comes-to-all-and-to-the-young-it/) [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) > [The man does not live who is more devoted to peace than I am. 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