Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it.

In this quote, Abraham Lincoln asserts that those who deny freedom to others are not deserving of that same freedom themselves. He argues that the act of oppressing others is inherently unjust and that anyone who seeks to limit the liberties of others will ultimately lose their own. Lincoln ties this idea to a higher moral authority, suggesting that under the rule of a just God, such individuals cannot long retain their freedom, as divine justice will prevail in the end.

Lincoln’s words reflect his strong belief in equality and justice. At the time, the nation was deeply divided over the issue of slavery, with many people denying freedom to African Americans. Lincoln, in his role as president, sought to challenge and dismantle this system of oppression, using his platform to argue that true freedom cannot exist when it is only granted to some at the expense of others. He believed that the moral integrity of a nation rested on the equal treatment and liberation of all its people.

The quote also conveys the idea that freedom is not just a political or civil right, but a moral principle. For Lincoln, freedom is a universal right that must be extended to all people, regardless of race, background, or status. Those who oppress others are not only violating the rights of individuals but are also creating conditions where their own liberties are threatened, as injustice breeds instability and conflict.

Ultimately, Lincoln’s statement serves as a moral warning that the denial of freedom is not only wrong but also self-destructive. He believed that in the eyes of a just God, those who deny others their basic rights and freedoms will face consequences, as true justice and equality cannot be suppressed indefinitely. This quote reflects Lincoln’s broader vision for a nation based on freedom, equality, and moral responsibility.