If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves, I would do it; and if I could do it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would do that. I have here stated my purpose according to my official duty, and I intend no modification of my oft-expressed personal wish that all men, everywhere, could be free.

Neither let us be slandered from our duty by false accusations against us, nor frightened from it by menaces of destruction ... nor of dungeons to ourselves. Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it.

That everyone may receive at least a moderate education appears to be an objective of vital importance.

Marriage is neither heaven nor hell, it is simply purgatory.

Remembering that Peter denied his Lord with an oath, after most solemnly protesting that he never would, I will not swear I will make no committals; but I do think I will not.

It is difficult to make a man miserable while he feels worthy of himself and claims kindred to the great God who made him.

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