The Union, and the Constitution, are the picture of silver, subsequently framed around it. The picture was not made to conceal or destroy the apple, but to adorn and preserve it. The picture was made for the apple-not the apple for the picture.

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.

We can not have free government without elections; and if the rebellion could force us to forego, or postpone a national election it might fairly claim to have already conquered and ruined us.

Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.

Were it not for my little jokes, I could not bear the burdens of this office.

If you trust, you will be disappointed occasionally, but if you mistrust, you will be miserable all the time.

Tact is the ability to describe others as they see themselves.