Man is not the only animal who labors; but he is the only one who improves his workmanship.

We all declare for liberty, but in using the same word we do not all mean the same thing.

But I must add that the U.S. government must not, as by this order, undertake to run the churches. When an individual, in a church or out of it, becomes dangerous to the public interest, he must be checked; but let the churches, as such take care of themselves. It will not do for the U.S. to appoint Trustees, Supervisors, or other agents for the churches.

Near eighty years ago we began by declaring that all men are created equal; but now from that beginning we have run down to the other declaration, that for SOME men to enslave OTHERS is a "sacred right of self-government." These principles can not stand together. They are as opposite as God and mammon; and whoever holds to the one, must despise the other.

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

To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.

If 600,000 people have to die in order for the nation to live, then 600,000 people will die.