The purposes of the Almighty are perfect, and must prevail, though we erring mortals may fail to accurately perceive them in advance. We hoped for a happy termination of this terrible war long before this; but God knows best, and has ruled otherwise. We shall yet acknowledge His wisdom, and our own error therein. Meanwhile we must work earnestly in the best lights He gives us, trusting that so working still conduces to the great ends He ordains. Surely He intends some great good to follow this mighty convulsion, which no mortal could make, and no mortal could stay.

Stand with anybody that stands right, stand with him while he is right and part with him when he goes wrong.

Without the assistance of that Divine Being...I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail.

I have got you together to hear what I have written down. I do not wish your advice about the main matterfor that I have determined for myself.

I am for those means which will give the greatest good to the greatest number.

Common looking people are the best in the world: that is the reason the Lord makes so many of them.

Don't pray that God's on our side, pray that we're on his side.