Lincoln on Liberty by K. C. R.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 14, 1910

Lincoln on Liberty

By K. C. R.

THE following is an extract from a speech delivered in Springfield, Ill., in 1854, by Abraham Lincoln: “Our reliance is in the love of liberty which God has planted in us; our defense is in the spirit which prizes liberty as the heritage of all men, in all lands everywhere. Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves, and under a just God can not long retain it.”

These words ought to be burned into the hearts of men and women everywhere, especially those who are so persistently trying to secure legislation that will deprive a certain class of citizens of their freedom to worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience. Please note again the words: “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves, and under a just God can not long retain it.”

The truthfulness of these words has not only been illustrated in the lives of individuals, but in the history of nations that have denied freedom of conscience to their subjects. The same principle is voiced in these words of Jesus: “With what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” How frequently we see persons experiencing the same hardships that they have at some time ruthlessly imposed upon others; there seems to be a fixed law that, in the course of human events, whatever unkind and evil treatment we may have subjected others to, the same treatment is sure to return upon our own heads. One of the most forcible illustrations of this principle recorded in the Bible is the case of Haman. The wicked plot he laid for the destruction of Mordecai was speedily executed upon himself.

It would be well for those who are scheming and working in every way to secure laws that will result in hardship upon those who will not subscribe to their evil and intolerant demands, to heed the warning given in these words of Abraham Lincoln. Of those who do right, and seek to bless humanity, it is equally true that they will be the recipients of blessings in this present life, and receive an eternal reward in the life to come.

The Saviour said: “Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in nowise lose his reward.” Let us heed the warning of Lincoln, and ever seek to imitate the example of the great Author of freedom, who “went about doing good,” and who declared that the Spirit of the Lord was upon him, “to preach deliverance to the captives, and . . . to set at liberty them that are bruised.” K. C. R.