Here are some of Lincoln's comments on John Brown:
"Old John Brown has just been executed for treason against a state. We cannot object, even though he agreed with us in thinking slavery wrong. That cannot excuse violence, bloodshed, and treason. It could avail him nothing that he might think himself right. So, if constitutionally we elect a President, and therefore you undertake to destroy the Union, it will be our duty to deal with you as old John Brown has been dealth with."
From: Father Abraham: Lincoln's Relentless Struggle to End Slavery by Richard Striner