The Constitution is not a suicide pact.

Never do anything for anyone who can just as well do it themself

Continue to execute all the express provisions of our national Constitution, and the Union will endure forever-it being impossible to destroy it, except by some action not provided for in the instrument itself.

I am approached with the most opposite opinions and advice, and that by religious men, who are equally certain that they represent the Divine will. ... I hope it will not be irreverent for me to say that if it is probable that God would reveal his will to others, on a point so connected with my duty, it might be supposed he would reveal it directly to me... These are not, however, the days of miracles ... I must study the plain physical facts of the case, ascertain what is possible, and learn what appears to be wise and right.

There is another old poet whose name I do not now remember who said, 'Truth is the daughter of Time.'

The damnest scoundrel that ever lived, but in the infinite mercy of Providence... also the damnest fool.

I walk slowly, but never backwards.